New treatment centres bring care closer to home

Two new centres for cancer treatment and kidney dialysis in Sidcup were officially opened by James Brokenshire MP on Tuesday 19 September.

Both centres are run by Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust on the Queen Mary’s Hospital (QMH) site so that patients can receive treatment closer to where they live.

The new Cancer Centre – Guy’s Cancer at QMH – means that radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment is available locally in outer south east London.

The new Kidney Treatment Centre (KTC) is run in partnership with kidney dialysis specialists Diaverum. It replaced a temporary unit on the QMH site.

James Brokenshire, MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup, said: "Both the cancer and kidney treatment centres at Queen Mary's Hospital will make a huge difference to patients by delivering world leading treatments close to home.

“Having these incredible facilities on our doorstep, backed up by the expertise of Guy's and St Thomas' and the support of Macmillan Cancer Support and Dimbleby Cancer Care, is utterly transformative. Rather than being forced to travel up to London, people will now be able to get the specialist treatment they need here in Sidcup.

"I've lobbied and campaigned over several years to see these centres come about and followed the projects from the first spade being put in the ground. It's therefore quite a special moment and a privilege to be part of the official opening and to now see them delivering the high quality NHS care we all had hoped for.

“I congratulate everyone involved in bringing this about and thank the incredible healthcare staff providing the care and treatment to patients."

Sir Hugh Taylor, Chairman of Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We are making things better for patients by bringing cancer care and dialysis treatment closer to where they live.

“These centres bring the same high quality treatment available in central London close to patients living in Bexley and the surrounding areas whilst reducing the stresses and strains of travel.”

Guy’s Cancer at QMH includes two new linear accelerator machines for radiotherapy treatment, 14 chemotherapy treatment chairs, and a new Dimbleby Macmillan Support Centre for cancer patients and their families.

Jonathan Dimbleby, Chair of Dimbleby Cancer Care, said: “I am delighted that we are able to extend our support for cancer patients through this partnership with Macmillan at the Dimbleby Macmillan Support Centre. The new centre marks an important step forward in our efforts to meet a growing need to provide support and care not only to patients but also their families and carers.

“Support services are vital to improving the wellbeing of those living with cancer during and beyond treatment. And through future fundraising we hope in time to be able to expand the services already available here at the centre, and to continue to help make life a little better for those living with cancer.”

Ed Tallis, Head of Services in London for Macmillan Cancer Support, said: “This has been a project long in development, and we are delighted now to see the centre open and offering excellent care closer to home. We are hugely proud that part of the care comes through the Dimbleby Macmillan Support Centre, bringing a state-of-the-art information service right to the heart of the local community.

“At Macmillan we believe that life with cancer is still life. The Dimbleby Macmillan Support Centre offers an extensive selection of information materials designed to help everyone affected by cancer lead their life, as well as a dedicated staff who are on hand to provide free, confidential advice for anyone who needs it.”

The opening of the KTC has increased the number of kidney dialysis stations from 12 to 20 and there are also consultation rooms for outpatient appointments.

Rachel Hucknall, Operations Director at Diaverum, said: "We are delighted to be operating from the new 'state of the art' Kidney Treatment Centre. Not only will more dialysis patients be able to dialyse closer to their home, they will also be able to access other services in the new outpatient facility."

Guy’s Cancer and the Kidney Treatment Centre at QMH are 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, Chair of Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, opened the event by welcoming guests and said: "It's fantastic to see so many people here today to commemorate the opening of this amazing facility at Queen Mary's Hospital.

"The Cancer Centre brings world-class treatment in state-of-the-art surroundings to local people. I would like to personally thank all of the individuals and partner organisations who have worked tirelessly to make this happen."

Guy’s Cancer at QMH opened its doors to patients in May, following the opening of the Kidney Treatment Centre in April.