New cancer centre opens at Mount Vernon

Jan 29 2010 By Siba Matti

CHEMOTHERAPY patients at Mount Vernon Hospital will soon enjoy the benefits of a bigger, better and more relaxing cancer centre.

The £1.43million complex, in Rickmansworth Road, Northwood, has been designed specifically for patients undergoing treatment and trials. It opens in February after almost five long years of planning, construction and campaigning.

The project has been funded entirely by charitable donations and grants, with significant sums raised by Gazette readers, thanks to the efforts of our columnist, Barbara Fisher, who worked tirelessly to bring the project to the public's attention.

The new centre, which can accommodate about 1,500 patients every year, will improve the lives of cancer sufferers not only in Hillingdon, but as far reaching as the rest of London, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire and beyond.

It features state-of-the art surroundings including 19 treatment chairs and two beds, plus three consulting rooms and a counselling room. There will also be a special 18-bed oncology ward dedicated to Marie Curie, as well as specialist radiotherapy treatments for diseases such as prostate cancer.

Prior to the opening, supporters of the project met at the site, where work is ongoing, to celebrate their success and praise the hundreds of people who helped turn the dream of the development into a reality.

Professor Gordon Rustin, director of medical oncology, spearheaded the campaign with the help of some of his patients. Amid the deafening noise of workmen drilling, he explained how the cancer centre would improve the lives of patients and their families during what can be an extremely distressing time.

Professor Rustin, 61, said: "It really is humbling and very exciting to see all the hard work coming to fruition at last.

"I am so grateful to all those who have helped us to raise the money so we can make the centre far more efficient for both patients and staff – the support we have received has been amazing.

"The old building was just a square room lined with chairs – it was getting a bit seedy and depressing – but now the layout is better designed with both secluded and more open areas, so people are not restricted to talking to the person next to them. Sharing their feelings can be a tremendous source of strength and support for patients. 

"And if you want to get the best staff, so patients ultimately have the best treatment, then it's important to have the best facilities."

 Brian Abbott, 66, received treatment for testicular cancer at the hospital eight years ago. He is just one of Professor Rustin's patients recruited to form The Cancer Treatment and Research Trust (CTRT) – a charitable committee which plays a key role in raising money for vital research and life-saving cancer treatment.

Mr Abbott, who lives in St Albans, said: "We have been overwhelmed by the level of public support – some people sent in cheques for thousands of pounds without sending a letter to explain why, and one 90-year-old even sent us £5,000 from her savings.

"One of the most significant contributions was £100,000 raised by the late Dina Rabinovitch, a Guardian journalist, who was treated for breast cancer at the hospital. She sadly died in 2007, aged just 44.

"To have raised almost £1.5million is fantastic but we can't afford to rest on our laurels – we need £300,000 every year to keep the centre running and support ongoing research, so donations from the public, big or small, are crucial."

"I feel so lucky to be alive today and we are determined to help as many people as possible win their battle against cancer."

To donate to the CTRT, visit www.cancertreatment.org.uk.