Guy's Cancer at Queen Mary's Hospital, Sidcup, opens to patients

Guy’s and St Thomas’ new cancer centre – Guy’s Cancer at Queen Mary’s Hospital (QMH), Sidcup – opened its doors to patients for the first time today (Monday 8 May).

Following the opening of Guy’s Cancer at QMH, for the first time radiotherapy treatment for cancer patients is available locally in outer south east London. Previously patients have had to travel into central London.

Some chemotherapy was already provided at QMH but more patients will now be able to have this treatment locally.

Guy’s Cancer at QMH includes two new linear accelerator machines for radiotherapy treatment and 14 chemotherapy treatment chairs.

The first patient to attend the centre was Anita Latham-James from Erith. She said: "I used to have to go to Guy's Hospital. It's nice to have it more local as well. If you're having other treatments as well it makes you very tired, going up on the train every day.

"I am going to look at the complementary therapies because I haven't done that. Chatting to my nurses it would be beneficial for me to go.

"It's nice to know that it is just round the corner. I can be here in 15 minutes."

Professor George Mikhaeel, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at Guy’s and St Thomas’ who has led the project to develop Guy’s Cancer at QMH, says: “Many local people will benefit from having chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatment closer to home and under one roof in a purpose-built facility.

“This new Cancer Centre brings the same high quality treatment available in the new Cancer Centre at Guy's Hospital close to patients living in Bexley and the surrounding areas who currently travel into central London for treatment.”

Guy’s Cancer also includes a new Dimbleby Macmillan Support Centre, an information and supportive care service for cancer patients and their families.

Jonathan Dimbleby, Chair of Dimbleby Cancer Care, says: “I am delighted that we are able to extend our support for cancer patients through this partnership with Macmillan.

“The new centre marks an important step forward in our efforts to meet a growing need to provide support and care to not only patients but also their families and carers. The advice and support services on offer can really help make life a little better for those living with cancer.”

Fran Woodard, Director for England and Policy and Research for Macmillan, adds: “Every day more than 100 people in London and Kent hear the devastating news that they have cancer. This number is set to nearly double by 2030, which will result in thousands more people in the area needing medical, practical and emotional support. 

“For this reason, we’re proud that the Dimbleby Macmillan Support Centre will help people affected by cancer, during and after treatment, so that no one faces cancer alone.”

Guy’s Cancer at QMH is part of a £30 million redevelopment of the Sidcup hospital site by Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust which owns and manages it. The vision for its future is as a hub for services run by providers including Guy’s and St Thomas’, King’s College Hospital and other local trusts.

Andy Trotter, Chairman of Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, says: “It is fantastic to welcome our first patients to this outstanding new cancer centre, which will benefit many local people for years to come.

“This is another exciting milestone in the development of the Queen Mary’s Hospital site into a vibrant, modern hub, providing first class healthcare for our local communities.”

Guy’s and St Thomas’ new Kidney Treatment Centre, run in partnership with kidney dialysis specialists Diaverum, opened at QMH on Monday 24 April.