Construction work on Milton Keynes University Hospital’s new radiotherapy centre has begun.
The facility, which will be located adjacent to the main cancer centre, will complete the oncology services offering available at the hospital.
Currently patients have to travel to neighbouring hospitals for radiotherapy treatment, with Oxford University Hospitals (OUH) being the local specialist site.
This new facility, which is being delivered in partnership with OUH, will ensure patients will no longer have to make long journeys to receive care.
Sally Burnie, head of cancer services at Milton Keynes University Hospital, said: “We are seeing some people having to make a 100-mile round-trip to access their radiotherapy treatment, and this can be for several weeks.
“To have this new centre for our patients and their families really is fantastic and having this service closer to home not only enhances their care, but also drastically cuts travel and reduces anxiety at a very-difficult time.”
Once complete, the centre will house two state-of-the-art medical linear accelerator bunkers and a reception, consultation rooms, and a CT scanner area.
Direct internal access from the cancer centre will also be available, enabling patients to move between the two facilities easily.
Construction work is being led by Morgan Sindall and the unit has been designed by Ryder Architecture.
It is expected to be completed in spring 2024.Professor Joe Harrison, hospital chief executive, said: “We are delighted to have started construction work on what will be a hugely-significant facility for local people.
“Developing radiotherapy services onsite will complete our cancer services offering, improving patient outcomes and the experience they receive while at our hospital.”