Radiotherapy business case gets the thumbs up
Regional health chiefs have approved the Outline Business Case (OBC) for Worcestershire's first ever radiotherapy centre.
The decision, taken by NHS Midlands and East at its Board meeting today (January 26, 2012) marks another hurdle cleared on the path to opening the centre in 2014.
Adel Makar, Consultant Urologist and Lead Cancer Clinician for Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust, said: "This is further good news for the people of Worcestershire. The Worcestershire Oncology Project is now well underway and the approval of the OBC means that real progress can now be made on developing the detailed plans for the radiotherapy centre, developing detailed workforce plans to ensure the necessary additional staff are in place by the time the new facility is opened, and finalising the Full Business Case for approval.
"All being well, work will begin on site later this year and what has been a long held dream will at last start becoming a reality."
The centre, which will be based at Worcestershire Royal Hospital, will provide radiotherapy treatment for county cancer patients and mean that they will no longer face long journeys out of the county for their care. It is estimated it will save patients around one million miles of travel every year.
The OBC also includes plans for a 401-space car park on land adjacent to the hospital site, which will increase the number of space for patients, visitors and staff to 1,470.
Increasing chemotherapy services
Other elements of the Worcestershire Oncology Project are also progressing well. Three broad options for increasing capacity of our chemotherapy services and providing services closer to home are currently being developed.
These are exploring the potential for chemotherapy services in community hospitals, GP health centres, hospices and in patients' home as well as at the county's three main hospital sites. Patients and GPs have been involved in this work and a formal appraisal process is expected early this year.
Your chance to hear more about the Oncology Project
There is another chance for county residents to get an update on the project from Adel Makar and Project Director Paul Elkin at a public meeting being held in the Board Room at the Alexandra Hospital in Redditch on Wednesday, February 8, 2012 at 6pm.
The meeting is open to anyone. If you would like to attend please telephone 01905 733759 or email communications@worcsacute.nhs.uk to confirm.
For more information on how cancer services are being improved in Worcestershire visit www.worcsacute.nhs.uk/improving-cancer-services.aspx