Cancer centre's £6.2m revamp gives patients a boost

The centre, which opened in 1997, has had a name change and doubled its clinical spaces

Patients using a cancer centre in Surrey have praised the positive effects a new £6.2m redevelopment has had.

The former St Luke’s Cancer Centre, in Guildford, Surrey, has been renamed the Royal Surrey Cancer Centre following the revamp.

As well as providing more "welcoming" areas for patients, the expansion has doubled the size of its clinical spaces.

Louise Stead, chief executive of Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Whilst we will have a new name above the door, we still have the same purpose, the same passion and the same pride to provide the very best cancer care for our patients and their loved ones."

The modernisation work has created a new spacious waiting area, a larger café, and a central space for carrying out blood tests.

There are also more changing areas leading directly into clinic rooms, more bathrooms and a conversation suite with a private garden.

An information hub and new website with an interactive map have been created to help patients and carers navigate the larger site.

Musician John Bennetts said it has made a "huge psychological difference"

John Bennetts, 68, a musician from Midhurst, West Sussex, was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer and melanoma (skin cancer) six years ago.

“When you have cancer you can feel quite depressed and previously we were cramped into a tiny waiting room that didn’t do much to boost your mood," he said.

“Now we have this lovely big waiting room to sit in ahead of our appointments - the atmosphere has completely changed, it feels more open and friendly."

The father-of-one, who has been in remission for the last four-and-a-half years, said the improvements have made a "huge psychological difference to me".

The expansion has doubled the size of the centre's clinical spaces

Sophie Otter, chief of service for oncology at the trust, said the centre was better equipped to meet the increasing needs of patients.

“When the cancer centre first opened its doors in 1997 we expected to see around 2,500 patients each year," she said.

“Today we are a major cancer centre that serves a population of 3m people across the south east of England.

"This much needed redevelopment will enable us to keep up with the ever increasing demand for our care and treatment."

Ms Stead said: “Having a cancer diagnosis may mean that our patients are dealing with things that frighten and challenge them.

"But when they walk into the new centre they will find welcoming spaces and facilities that have been designed with their needs at the very heart."

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