Cancer centre move could see hospital services expand

Extra cancer services could be added to local hospitals as part of plans to relocate a London-based unit.

The Mount Vernon Cancer Centre in Northwood offers care to about 13,000 patients across the region, but is limited by the poor state of its buildings and lack of acute services.

Proposals include creating a "world-class" cancer centre alongside the new Watford General Hospital, and adding a radiotherapy unit to either Stevenage's Lister Hospital - or the Luton and Dunstable.

It is hoped this will also reduce journey times for patients in Bedfordshire and North Hertfordshire.

London hospitals such as Northwick Park, Hammersmith and Hillingdon would also see increased provision of chemotherapy or radiotherapy under the plans.

The proposals were drawn up with input from patients and staff after an independent review found specialised cancer services could not continue at the site near Northwood.

The centre is already seeing fewer patients and reducing its services.

Clare Panniker, regional director of NHS England in the East of England, said: "Mount Vernon Cancer Centre has a proud history and an exceptional team, but the facilities no longer meet the needs of today's complex cancer care.

"These proposals would enable us to bring together two brilliant services to create a world-class centre of excellence, serving local communities with high-quality healthcare delivered by the same compassionate staff, for decades to come."

West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said the new facility would provide "modern facilities" along with more space for "innovation, research and training".

"Modern cancer care increasingly relies on the support of a range of on-site medical and surgical services, including Accident and Emergency and critical care," it added.

"With plans already approved for a new Watford General Hospital, this proposal would add world-class cancer services to the site, creating a centre of excellence."

The elected Mayor of Watford, Lib Dem Peter Taylor, said that although he was pleased about plans to relocate Mount Vernon, he was concerned about timings.

"The rebuild of Watford General is needed now more than ever," he said.

"Despite being shovel-ready, this project has been delayed, with construction not scheduled to even start until 2032.

"The rebuilding of Watford General should be a top priority for the government, and they need to deliver the funding needed for this now."

Labour MP for Watford, Matt Turmaine, said the proposal "makes great sense" and would "help deliver improved healthcare locally".

"It's also a golden opportunity to provide a welcome shot in the arm and greater impetus to the plans to build Watford's long-awaited new hospital," he added.

"By dovetailing in the Mount Vernon move, this will achieve economies of scale, and the proximity of the site can only have a beneficial effect on readiness of the Watford scheme."

A Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) spokesperson said: "This government inherited a New Hospital Programme that was neither deliverable nor affordable.

"We have an honest and realistic funding plan and timetable to deliver the rebuild of Watford General Hospital, ensuring it is ready to enter construction as quickly as possible and that taxpayers get maximum value for money.

"A public consultation will begin soon for people to have their say on the future of the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre."

People are being invited to join a public consultation that runs from 19 January to 26 March.

Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.