Ashford: Plans for cancer support hub announced

The plans will see an unused courtyard at Ashford Hospital being transformed

Plans for a non-clinical support centre for cancer patients and their families at a Surrey hospital have been announced.

The proposals are part of a £1.9m investment by Macmillan Cancer Support at Ashford Hospital.

Services would include counselling, complementary therapies, emotional and financial support.

It is hoped the centre will open in late 2024, subject to planning permission.

The plan is to turn an existing unused courtyard at the hospital into a "relaxing, non-clinical space", a statement from Macmillan says.

It is the result of an 18-month long collaboration between the charity and the Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (ASPH).

Andy Anderson, a former cancer patient, acted as a "patient representative" as the plans were drawn up.

He said: " It would have been fantastic if there had been one around 10 years ago when I was first diagnosed with lymphoma and subsequently underwent treatment. 

"I truly believe the Centre will provide so much support to anyone who's been affected by cancer and is living in the surrounding areas. This will make a huge difference to people's lives."

ASPH chief executive Julie Smith said the hub would help to "bridge the gap" for people living with cancer in north-west Surrey, and added that "the centre will provide much-needed holistic care, support and information nearer to home".

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