A public consultation will launch on January 19 on proposals to relocate the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre in Northwood to a purpose-built facility next to Watford General Hospital.
This would deliver “world-class” cancer services for patients across north west London, Hertfordshire, and surrounding areas.
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.”
Mount Vernon
The latest development comes after an agreement on how to fund the capital for the new cancer centre. It would be alongside plans already approved for a new Watford General Hospital, which are currently scheduled to start between 2032 and 2034.
Modern cancer care increasingly relies on access to on-site medical and surgical services, including A&E and critical care, which the current centre cannot provide.
The new centre would offer these services in state-of-the-art surroundings, along with expanded space for research, training, and innovation.
The plans also propose expanding chemotherapy, diagnostics and follow-up care at local hospitals, increasing chemotherapy provision at home, and there will also be an option to locate a second radiotherapy unit at either Luton and Dunstable Hospital or Lister Hospital in Stevenage.
Matthew Coats, chief executive of West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Expanding the Watford General scheme to include Mount Vernon Cancer Centre would be a major step forward in delivering both a world class cancer centre and a state-of-the-art hospital, which would benefit patients, our communities, and our brilliant staff.”
The project would allow for construction and operational efficiencies by combining redevelopment plans for the hospital and cancer centre.
A £12 million programme of enabling works is already under way at Watford General Hospital ahead of the main construction.
Watford MP Matt Turmaine and health minster Karin Smyth tour Watford General Hospital (Image: Supplied by Matt Turmaine MP)
Subject to the outcome of consultation and due diligence, management of the services provided by Mount Vernon Cancer Centre would transfer from East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust to University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Adam Sewell-Jones, chief executive at East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust, said: “Our staff at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre deliver outstanding care, and a new cancer centre would allow them to provide the most modern, innovative treatments.
“Continuity and quality of care for our patients and staff remains our highest priority.
“We will also ensure there will be plenty of opportunities for patients and staff to ask questions about the proposals and express their views.”