Guy’s Cancer at Queen Mary’s Hospital opens to patients

For the first time radiotherapy treatment for cancer patients is available in outer south east London. Previously patients have had to travel into central London for treatment.

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 not only two new linear accelerator machines for radiotherapy treatment and 14 chemotherapy treatment chairs but also a new Dimbleby Macmillan Support Centre, an information and supportive care service for cancer patients and their families.

Professor George Mikhaeel, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at Guy’s and St Thomas’ who has led the project, said: “This new Cancer Centre is really needed by patients in Bexley and the surrounding areas because radiotherapy and chemotherapy are tiring and traumatic enough without travelling into central London for treatment.”

Andy Trotter, Chair of Oxleas NHS, said: “It has been 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.”

Jonathan Dimbleby, Chair of Dimbleby Cancer Care, said: “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.”

Guy’s Cancer at QMH is part of a £30 million redevelopment by Oxleas, who own and manage the Sidcup hospital site. 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.