New cancer centre will make a ‘huge difference’

A charity hopes to raise a further £9m for the new cancer centre

An appeal has been launched to raise millions of pounds for a new cancer centre, which will make a “huge difference” to patients.

Building the new centre at Cheltenham General Hospital, which has “small and cramped” cancer rooms, is predicted to cost about £18m.

Modern consulting rooms and a therapeutic garden will be built during the first phase of the project, which is mainly being funded by Cheltenham and Gloucester Hospitals Charity.

“With growing rates of cancer in the country, we need more space to treat more patients,” said chief executive of Gloucestershire Hospitals Trust Kevin McNamara

Anoushka Duroe-Richards, 39, was diagnosed with incurable ovarian cancer in 2021 and said the new centre would have made a "huge difference" to her.

“I asked if I would grow old, they said 'no'. I asked if I would see my children grow up, they said 'no'.

Anoushka Duroe-Richards was diagnosed with ovarian cancer three years ago and said the new centre would have made a "huge difference"

“Despite how wonderful my oncologist was at the time, the room we were in had no natural light, no warmth, it felt very beige, sterile and unwelcoming.

“Having those spaces where patients can go and take breath, sit outside in nature, can help you find a little bit of joy in your life when you’re desperately trying to find some," she added.

The charity, which is calling its fundraiser the Big Space Cancer Appeal, has already raised £8.5m for the project, but bosses have now urged members of the public to donate towards their next target of £9m.

Existing facilities in the current oncology centre will also be upgraded in the second phase.

A therapeutic garden forms part of the plans for the new cancer centre

Consultant oncologist at Gloucestershire Hospitals, Dr Sam Guglani, said: “The environment we’re working in is challenging – poorly lit, cramped and perhaps unwelcoming.

"We ought to be consulting with patients – important and difficult conversations around results, treatment, research, and support - in spaces that feel safe, unhurried, trustworthy, and calm.”

He said the new centre will allow space for wider consultations with rehabilitative and supportive services, nurse specialists, dieticians, psychologists and palliative care teams.

The centre was given the green light this summer after receiving £500,000 of government funding.