Health Minister Mike Nesbitt visited the construction site of a new Macmillan Information and Support Centre at Antrim Area Hospital. The £3.5 million project receives £2.5 million from Macmillan Cancer Support and £1 million from the Northern Trust.

The centre will provide emotional, practical, and wellbeing services to cancer patients and families across the Northern Trust area. It targets support for young people with a cancer diagnosis or those aiding family members. Opening is scheduled for spring 2027.

Nesbitt met staff from Macmillan Cancer Support, the Northern Trust, and construction firm MSM Contracts Ltd during the visit. He welcomed the start of construction and praised the partnership for delivering localised support services that maximise resources and share expertise.

The facility includes a lounge, information hub, two therapy rooms, two quiet rooms, a family room, a group room, and staff workspace. Outdoor spaces feature a walled garden, sunken courtyard, and terrace. Its location near the Laurel House chemotherapy unit and Macmillan Palliative Care unit aids patient access.

Paddy Graffin, Northern Trust Director of Infrastructure, said the centre creates a space for compassionate care for patients, families, and staff. Lynne McCartney, Interim Director for Surgery and Clinical Services at the Northern Trust, noted it aligns the trust with facilities in other regions. Jane Hughes, Programme Lead at Macmillan Cancer Support, stated the centre supplies essential dedicated space for cancer patients and families in the local area.