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Black Sabbath guitarist and Birmingham icon, Tony Iommi has officially opened a new £2.65 million Haematology and Oncology Unit at Heartlands Hospital, marking a major milestone in cancer care for patients across Birmingham.

A former patient at the hospital, Tony has long been a passionate supporter of its cancer services. His recent guitar raffle raised £53,000 for Heartlands Hospital Charity, contributing directly to the development of the new day unit.

Tony cut the ribbon alongside Haematology Consultant Dr Shankara Paneesha and Heartlands Hospital Charity supporter Martin Lewis, during a ceremony attended by staff, patients, and supporters.

Completed last month, the £2.65 million renovation has converted part of the hospital’s former outpatient estate into a modern, purpose-built facility that brings haematology and oncology services together under one roof.  The upgraded unit now features three additional procedure rooms, new treatment chairs, a quiet area, and a dedicated patient entrance.

Designed with patient comfort and wellbeing in mind, the new environment is light, spacious, and welcoming, creating a calm home-from-home setting for patients undergoing treatment. The facility aims to reduce waiting times and enhance the overall patient experience.

Tony Iommi said: “I know what it’s like, I understand how they feel: uncomfortable, nervous, and unsure of what’s going to happen or how it will all unfold. But at the end of the day, you are really well looked after.

“I had the guitar in my bedroom so I could just tinkle around, so it made sense to donate it, and it raised £53,000, which was brilliant. Whatever you can do to help patients get through this is great. They need that support, anything that can make things more comfortable. It was wonderful to be involved so they can have new equipment and the things needed to improve their experience. It’s a good thing to do, and it’s going to help a lot of people.”

Dr Shankara Paneesh, Consultant Haematologist, Heartlands Hospital, said: “It has always been great to have Tony’s support over such a long time.

“Tony has gone through his own journey and is always giving a lot back in terms of improving the awareness of Lymphoma as well as helping to fundraise for the Heartlands Hospital Charity, which has enabled us to make a difference for patients receiving cancer treatment.”

Dr Rifat Rashid, Hospital Executive Director, Heartlands Hospital, said: “Heartlands Hospital is in the middle of one of the most deprived areas in England, which is why it’s so important to me. It’s my absolute passion to make sure that every patient, no matter where they work, where they come from, or where they live receives the same standard of treatment as they would anywhere else.”

Heartlands Hospital Charity continues to support the service and has fundraised £150,000 for the Day Unit, going towards extra furnishings, including artwork for the walls and extra equipment for the centre. The charity is continuing its support, to fund further enhancements.