Funding boost to cancer patients | News

Cancer patients are set to benefit from a £2million investment from Waverley Borough Council that will boost care at Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust.

Through the Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), nearly half of the funding is being invested in a new Chemotherapy Unit, which will almost double the number of patients who can be treated, helping to meet growing demand.

The new unit will improve access to the latest life‑saving treatments and provide patients with a modern, purpose‑built environment in which to receive their care.

The Trust’s current Chemotherapy Unit, known as Chilworth Day Unit, operates at full capacity with 52 chairs and treats around 600 patients each week. Demand for chemotherapy services continues to grow, placing significant pressure on the existing unit. Under the plans currently being developed, capacity will increase to 100 chairs, significantly expanding the service and supporting the care of complex cancer patients from across the region.

The Council’s funding has also been allocated towards a new Aseptic Unit where controlled medicines, including chemotherapy, can be safely prepared, as well as specialist equipment for the new £43.5 million Cancer and Surgical Innovation Centre, which is due to open later this summer.

Royal Surrey is one of the country’s major cancer centres offering rapid diagnosis, advanced treatments and access to cutting edge research to more than 8,000 patients each year across the south east of England.

Louise Stead, Group Chief Executive of Royal Surrey and Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals, said: “We are delighted to have received this investment from Waverley Borough Council, which will support several important projects benefiting cancer patients and many others who rely on our services.

“As the number of people needing cancer treatment continues to grow, it is vital that we provide the best possible support. This includes delivering life‑saving chemotherapy and targeted treatments in a modern, purpose‑built environment.

“The investment will also support the safe preparation of treatments on site and equip our new Cancer and Surgical Innovation Centre, helping us care for more patients in calm, welcoming surroundings now and in the years ahead.”

The Council’s Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) is a multi‑million‑pound fund made up of contributions from developers who have built new homes or other developments across the borough of Waverley. The funding supports infrastructure improvements linked to population growth and increased demand on local services, and is not funded through Council Tax.