Singapore's first integrated hub to support patients with childhood cancer and their families was officially opened Thursday evening by Mrs Mary Tan, wife of President Tony Tan Keng Yam.

The 18,500 sq ft hub houses the VIVA Foundation for Children with Cancer, Children's Cancer Foundation (CCF) and Singapore Cord Blood Bank.

Also housed here is the Place for Academic Learning and Support, set up by the CCF to help youths with cancer make a smooth transition back to school. Some 24 youngsters have attended lessons at the centre since it was opened in November.

"Working together with our colleagues at the hub allows us to enhance services to children with cancer through shared resources and coordination of activities and programmes," said chairman of the VIVA Foundation, Mrs Theresa Foo.