Work begins on 'long-awaited' Surrey hospital cancer support centre that will be 'the first of its kind'

The new cancer centre, set to open in 'late spring' this year, will provide a more "holistic approach" for cancer patients.
-Credit:Ashford & St Peter's Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust


A Surrey hospital has proudly announced that work has begun on its "long-awaited" Cancer Support Centre that "will be the first of its kind" in the region.

The centre will provide vital cancer information and support, and give patients access to counselling sessions, complementary therapies, exercise classes and support groups.

Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (ASPH), announced on Friday (January 31) that, in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support, they have begun the building works for the Macmillan Cancer Support Centre based on the site of Ashford Hospital, in Stanwell, Surrey. The building is set to be open by 'late spring' this year.

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The centre, which Macmillan has pledged to raise £1.9 million to cover the costs of, has been described by Louise Stead, the Group Chief Executive as 'complimenting' the provisions available at Guildford's Royal Surrey hospital.

The Royal Surrey County hospital is already the fourth largest cancer centre in the country, and is due to grow even larger to become "one of Europe’s leading" surgical centres as part of a £41.5m development that is expected to be completed in the latter half of 2026.

Currently, Ashford Hospital offers a range of clinical and medical oncology treatments on site, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy. However, Louise Stead has said the Ashford Hospital cancer centre will target a different stage in a cancer patient's journey of recovery.

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"It will give our cancer patients a more holistic approach to living with and beyond cancer. The purpose-built facility will provide a much-needed space, closer to home, where experts and trained volunteers will listen, answer questions, and offer personalised information and support to help manage the impact of cancer."

Members of the Macmillan and NHS Trust teams celebrate the "ground-breaking news" of the beginning of works on the new cancer centre.
Members of the Macmillan and NHS Trust teams celebrate the "ground-breaking news" of the beginning of works on the new cancer centre. -Credit:NHS Foundation Trust

According to the region's NHS Trust, the centre "will be the first of its kind" in North West Surrey. This is because the aim of the facility is to provide a non-clinical space within the hospital in Stanwell where people affected by cancer can receive free advice and support every step of the way from the moment of diagnosis.

Sonia Sudhakar, Chief Engagement Officer at Macmillan Cancer Support said: "We know that being diagnosed with cancer can affect so many different areas of your life, from relationships to finance. Every cancer experience is different and we want to make sure people get the support that’s right for them, when they need it most."

"With cancer information, emotional and financial support all under one roof, this fantastic new centre brings us one step closer to making that happen."

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Andy Anderson, a former cancer patient, who, according to the NHS Trust, has been instrumental in the design and development of the centre said in January 2024 that he was "honoured" to have been part of the Project Board as a ‘patients' representative’.

"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.”

The Macmillan Cancer Support Centre is a much-needed addition to Ashford Hospital's facilities, but not only this the centre will also help support the "increasing demand" for cancer surgeries in Surrey and the South East.

The NHS Foundation Trust serves a population of more than 410,000 people across Surrey and south-east London
The NHS Foundation Trust serves a population of more than 410,000 people across Surrey and south-east London

While Macmillan, which is one of the largest cancer support charities in the UK, has pledged the nearly £2 million which will fund the construction of the Ashford cancer centre; it is important to mention that the charity relies almost entirely on voluntary contributions to fund their work and say they "cannot do it alone".

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If you’d like to get involved in the fundraising appeal and help Macmillan ensure that everyone living with cancer in North West Surrey gets the vital support they need, contact ashfordappeal@macmillan.org.uk or visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/ashfordappeal to make a donation.

Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust serves a population of more than 410,000 people. This consists of those living in the boroughs of Runnymede, Spelthorne, Woking and parts of Elmbridge, Hounslow, Surrey Heath and beyond.

It is not only cancer-related treatments that the NHS Trust provides; the Ashford and St Peter's hospitals supply a whole range of services that compliment one another.

At Ashford Hospital, you will find the majority of planned care services; such as day cases, orthopaedic surgery and rehabilitation. Whereas, at St Peter’s Hospital, the facilities and staff offer more complex medical and surgical care and emergency services.