A new chapter in cancer care | News

Royal Surrey’s new cancer centre has opened its doors following a multi-million pound redevelopment.

The £6million project, which was partly funded by the Royal Surrey Charity, has provided a much needed increase in clinical space and improved the environment in which more than 8,000 patients receive treatment and care each year.

Cancer patients will also benefit from a new dedicated website written by our team of renowned experts, which takes them from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond.

Sophie Otter, Chief of Service for Oncology said: “When the cancer centre first opened its doors in 1997 we expected to see around 2,500 patients each year.

“Today we are a major cancer centre that serves a population of three million people across the south east of England and this much needed redevelopment will enable us to keep up with the ever increasing demand for our care and treatment.

“As part of the project we have more than doubled the clinical space available, which will ultimately enable us to save more lives as early diagnosis and treatment options continue to grow.

“This is complemented by the new website, which includes an interactive map of our Guildford hospital that has been created to aid patients, carers and loved ones finding their way around our site.”

The building work has also provided a new spacious waiting area, a larger café for refuelling, a centrally located space for carrying out blood tests, more changing areas that lead directly into clinic rooms, additional bathroom facilities, a dedicated information hub and a sensitive conversation suite that has its own private garden and exit for when patients need privacy.

As part of this new chapter in cancer care the building, previously known as St Luke’s Cancer Centre,  has been renamed Royal Surrey Cancer Centre.

For patients this will bring together all of their cancer care and treatment under a single name that is recognised and trusted both locally here in Guildford and across England.

Chief Executive, Louise Stead, added: “Having a cancer diagnosis may mean that our patients are dealing with things that frighten and challenge them, but when they walk into the new centre they will find welcoming spaces and facilities that have been designed with their needs at the very heart.

“Whilst we will have a new name above the door, we still have the same purpose, the same passion and the same pride to provide the very best cancer care for our patients and their loved ones.

“The redevelopment and the launch of our brand new website marks a new and exciting chapter in cancer care at the Trust and we are looking forward to an exciting future for Royal Surrey Cancer Centre.”

John Bennetts, 68, a musician from Midhurst, West Sussex was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer and melanoma (skin cancer) six years ago.

He has been in remission for the last four-and-a-half years after undergoing treatment at Royal Surrey Cancer Centre, including radiotherapy.

“I am a regular visitor to the Cancer Centre and the difference is amazing,” said the married father-of-one.

“When you have cancer you can feel quite depressed and previously we were cramped into a tiny waiting room that didn’t do much to boost your mood.

“Now we have this lovely big waiting room to sit in ahead of our appointments and the atmosphere has completely changed, it feels more open and friendly.

 “The improvements have made a huge psychological difference to me and I am sure many other patients.”