Rutherford Health has announced that it has partnered with Bupa Health Clinics to open a number of new health centres within Bupa’s network of cancer clinics, creating a one-stop customer journey for patients, from diagnosis to treatment.
The first-of-its-kind new Bupa Health Centres will give patients access to services such as private GP appointments, health assessments, and physiotherapy under one roof within the Rutherford Cancer Centre North West in Liverpool.
And, if symptoms of cancer are identified, patients will be directed to Rutherford's cancer specialists for MRI and CT scans, mammograms, and ultrasonograms on the same day, within the same facility.
The first Bupa Health Centre was opened on 28 January by Sarah Melia, general manager at Bupa Health Services and Kevin Solly, general manager at Rutherford Cancer Centres.
A second clinic will open in Rutherford Cancer Centre North East in Northumberland later this year.
Speaking at the launch, Solly said: “We are proud to be extending our partnership with Bupa Health Clinics to ensure patients have access to the very best of care.
This is a great example of how health providers can work together to improve care, create meaningful outcomes, and deliver tangible benefits to patients
“The one-stop health centre will provide access to our state-of-the-art cancer diagnostics and treatments for those who need them, while also diversifying our care offering at the Rutherford Cancer Centres.
“In the UK, we are currently in the midst of a serious crisis in diagnosis and screening for cancer patients, and we know that early diagnosis of cancer saves lives.
“These clinics will help to strengthen diagnostic capability in the UK by providing patients with a critical healthcare facility that will be able to fast-track the time between diagnosis and treatment.
“As a care provider we are committed to reducing waiting times and provide a 24-hour service within a specialised environment and this will mean that patients can commence treatment sooner, which has the potential to save lives.
“This is a great example of how health providers can work together to improve care, create meaningful outcomes, and deliver tangible benefits to patients.”
Melia added: “We’re delighted to partner with Rutherford Cancer Centres to launch our health clinics and services within its sites, giving people a quick and seamless pathway from diagnosis to treatment.
“Our suite of health assessments are designed to give people a current picture of their overall health and wellbeing.
If any cancer symptoms are detected during an assessment, the partnership with Rutherford Cancer Clinics allows patients to quickly access treatment under the same roof, improving outcomes and giving peace of mind
“And, if any cancer symptoms are detected during an assessment, the partnership with Rutherford Cancer Clinics allows patients to quickly access treatment under the same roof, improving outcomes and giving peace of mind.”
Rutherford Health’s independent network currently consists of four cancer treatment centres across the UK – in Liverpool, Newcastle, Reading and Newport – and draws patients from across the country, offering them consistent access to the latest tests to guide their treatment.
In addition to providing high-energy proton beam therapy and conventional therapies such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiotherapy, each Rutherford Cancer Centre also has state-of-the-art diagnostics including MRI and CT.