Work has officially begun on a major refurbishment to completely modernise and upgrade The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre’s specialist treatment unit at Halton Hospital.
Run and staffed by The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, the unit provides a wide range of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies and other systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT). It means patients can have their treatment close to home, rather than travelling to our main sites in Liverpool, Wirral or Aintree, and it has cared for many thousands of people since it first opened in 2009.
The unit, currently known as CANtreat, was originally designed to treat around 30 patients a day, covering only the most common cancers. Today, our Halton team sees around 80 patients a day, treating almost every type of cancer, with treatment times ranging from just 30 minutes to as long as seven hours.
It’s clear the unit has been asked to do far more than it was ever built for, which is exactly why this refurbishment matters so much.
What’s changing
The upgraded unit will offer:
- A bright, modern feel with space for more patients.
- Comfortable treatment chairs, plus space for research and clinical trials.
- Flexible bays, so patients can choose privacy or company depending on how they’re feeling that day.
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While the work takes place, the Clatterbridge service, along with its patients and staff, has relocated to a temporary home on Ward B3 at Halton Hospital, just down the corridor from its usual base.
Merseyside-based contractor Krol Corlett started on site on Monday 10 August and has already begun stripping out and demolishing existing walls and features. Once complete, the unit will look and feel completely different.
The new design, created by AFL Architects, has been shaped by feedback from patients and staff, so the refurbished space reflects what matters most to the people receiving treatment and the teams caring for them.
The £1.3 million refurbishment includes updated mechanical and electrical works for a more comfortable environment, remodelled space to improve clinical flow and create additional rooms, plus new floors, ceilings, doors and reception area. The project is being managed by PropCare, The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre’s estates subsidiary, and is being funded by The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre together with a fundraising appeal by Clatterbridge Cancer Charity.
Joan Spencer, Chief Executive of The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, said:
“Our Halton treatment unit is a very special place and an important part of our network of Clatterbridge centres across the region, providing specialist cancer care to people close to home wherever possible.
“We care about every aspect of the treatment experience. Many cancer treatments take several hours, so it’s important that patients can enjoy a peaceful environment and comfortable facilities while they’re here. This investment will benefit thousands of patients, create additional treatment capacity, and enable us to offer clinical trials in Halton in the future.
“I also want to thank our colleagues in North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust, who have been so supportive in accommodating this fantastic service and allowing us to relocate to Ward B3 while the refurbishment takes place.”
Mike Topping, Lead Contracts Manager for Krol Corlett, added:
“We all have people close to us who have undergone cancer treatment, so we’re very mindful of the importance of this job to patients.
“As with the many other jobs we undertake for the NHS, this is a live clinical environment with lots of moving parts and hygiene factors that need very careful management. Our team on site has years of experience delivering similar projects, and our working protocols extend to our supply chain.
“It’s a job we’re proud to have won, and one we’re very much looking forward to delivering to the highest possible standard.”
Ian Ogilvie, Deputy Chief Executive of Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, said:
“The Charity is honoured to be involved in these important and exciting developments for patients.
“For 30 years, our supporters have helped fund projects to improve the lives of people with cancer in Cheshire and Merseyside, from infrastructure improvements to research into new treatments and cutting-edge equipment. We are sure our generous fundraisers will be excited to see the start of this work to improve the treatment experience of patients across the region.”
Phil Hyde, Head of Capital and Projects at PropCare, said:
“PropCare are delighted to be involved in this important project, helping to create a modern, welcoming environment that will make a real difference to patients receiving chemotherapy and the teams caring for them. We are proud to play our part in delivering a facility fit for the future.”
Help us finish the job
This refurbishment is only possible thanks to the generosity of our supporters. If you’d like to help us transform treatment at Halton for thousands of patients now and in the years ahead, you can find out more about our fundraising appeal or get in touch with our fundraising team at [email protected] or 0151 556 5566.
