Cancer Centre at Guy's shortlisted for award

The new Cancer Centre at Guy’s Hospital has been shortlisted for a major national award – less than two months after opening its doors to patients for the first time.

It is in the running to win the Hospital Building category of the Health Business Awards which recognise excellence in the provision of NHS facilities.

The Cancer Centre was shortlisted because of positive media coverage and other publicity when it opened on 26 September.

Speaking after the Cancer Centre welcomed its first patients, Dr Majid Kazmi – who is Clinical Director of Cancer Services at Guy’s and St Thomas’ – said: “Today is the culmination of more than 10 years of planning and working in partnership with our patients to create a building to transform cancer care.”

The Cancer Centre has been designed by patients for patients to bring together most treatment under one roof – previously cancer care was provided in 13 different locations in eight different buildings on the St Thomas’ and Guy’s sites.

Diana Crawshaw, who chaired the Patient Reference Group, explained: “Patients have been consulted at every stage and no decision has been made without us. Our views have been welcomed, listened to and acted on.”

The first outpatient clinics were held in the new Cancer Centre on 26 September, chemotherapy treatment started on 3 October, and radiotherapy treatment started on 7 November.

The winners of the Health Business Awards will be announced on 29 November at an event hosted by The One Show’s resident GP, Dr Sarah Jarvis.