New cancer and kidney treatment centres officially opened at QMH

Two new centres for cancer treatment and kidney dialysis have been officially opened at Queen Mary’s hospital in Sidcup as part of Oxleas’ £30m redevelopment of the site.

Both centres, which are run by Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, were opened by James Brokenshire, MP for Old Bexley and Sidcup, on 19 September.

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, 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.”

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."

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 and 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. 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.”

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.”

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."