Cancer centre move could see hospital services expand

"NHS Extra cancer services could be added to local hospitals as part of plans to relocate a London-based unit. The Mount Vernon Cancer Centre in Northwood offers care to about 13,000 patients across the region, but is limited by the poor state of its buildings and lack of acute services. Proposals include creating a "world class" cancer centre alongside the new Watford General Hospital, and adding a radiotherapy unit to either Stevenage's Lister Hospital - or the Luton and Dunstable."

"London hospitals such as Northwick Park, Hammersmith and Hillingdon would also see increased provision of chemotherapy or radiotherapy under the plans. The proposals were drawn up with input from patients and staff after an independent review found specialised cancer services could not continue at the site near Northwood. The centre is already seeing fewer patients and reducing its services."

"Clare Panniker, regional director of NHS England in the East of England, said: "Mount Vernon Cancer Centre has a proud history and an exceptional team, but the facilities no longer meet the needs of today's complex cancer care. "These proposals would enable us to bring together two brilliant services to create a world-class centre of excellence, serving local communities with high-quality healthcare delivered by the same compassionate staff, for decades to come." Dan O'Brien/BBC West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said the new facility would provide "modern facilities" along with more space for "innovation, research and training". "Modern cancer care increasingly relies on the support of a range of on-site medical and surgical services, including Accident and Emergency and critical care," it added."

Plans would relocate Mount Vernon Cancer Centre services from inadequate Northwood buildings and redistribute extra cancer care across the region. Proposals include building a world-class cancer centre alongside the new Watford General Hospital and adding a radiotherapy unit at either Stevenage's Lister Hospital or Luton and Dunstable. Northwick Park, Hammersmith and Hillingdon would receive increased chemotherapy or radiotherapy provision. The changes aim to reduce journey times for Bedfordshire and North Hertfordshire patients and ensure on-site acute support such as A&E and critical care. An independent review and input from patients and staff informed the proposals as services at the centre shrink.

Read at www.bbc.com