Fund-raisers are aiming for £1 million for a self-contained palliative care unit at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.
Retired radiographer Trudy McLeay, who is heading the campaign, said the target is realistic, thanks to the tradition of generous fund-raising in and around Dundee.
The fund has only just started but already the donations are coming in £250 was given by Angela Grieve, who held a “pampered chef” party and raffle.
It was accepted by palliative medicine consultant Dr Pam Levack yesterday.
Trudy said, “At the moment we have enough funding to keep three beds for a year.
“We would like to have enough funding for more beds and to make sure the unit is established in the long term.”
The existing unit, the first of its kind in Scotland, owes its origins to a benefactor’s legacy, which covered most of the £400,000 required to set it up as a pilot.
The legacy carried the understanding that NHS Tayside would establish a permanent unit if it was a success.
Over 100 patients have been treated for pain management and other symptoms since the unit opened just over a year ago.
Many, but not all, patients will have a diagnosis of cancer and each is assessed in the unit and a plan is drawn up for the management of their symptoms.
Trudy said, “Everything is done to try to get the patients and their families organised so the end of their life is how they want it to be and not only how the hospital wants it to be.”
The unit has also cared for people with lung, kidney and vascular diseases and people suffering painful symptoms associated with diabetes.
Day or night, the unit is available for specialist care with trained nurses.