Cancer survivor 'tops out' new Cancer Centre at Guy's

Wednesday 11 March 2015


Breast cancer survivor Diana Crawshaw carries out the traditional 'topping out' of the new Cancer Centre at Guy's

Breast cancer survivor Diana Crawshaw marked a major milestone in the construction of a new £160 million Cancer Centre at Guy’s Hospital when she carried out the official ‘topping out’ yesterday, Tuesday 10 March.

Diana, from Sydenham in south east London, chairs the Patient Reference Group which has played a key role in shaping the new Cancer Centre which will bring together most treatment and research under one roof when it opens in 2016.

She placed a yew tree branch into the roof of the 14-storey building at the ceremony which was attended by dignitaries including local MP Simon Hughes.

Diana says: “The topping out ceremony celebrates the combined efforts of all those involved in the realisation of a vision. Decisions have been made and patients’ views listened to as we move towards an integrated cancer service in an outstanding environment."

Simon Hughes says: "The new world class cancer centre at Guy's is on course to be open for the community next year. The topping out ceremony celebrated a great partnership between the NHS, Laing O'Rourke and all the other contractors.

“This will be a top quality building giving the most appropriate support and treatment for the thousands of people who have to battle against cancer every year. I could not be more proud of this NHS development in Bermondsey, which I have supported for many years."

Dr Majid Kazmi, Clinical Director of cancer services at Guy’s and St Thomas’, adds: “The new Cancer Centre at Guy’s promises to be a truly world-class facility for cancer patients in south east London and beyond. By bringing together treatment and research, we will be able to provide the best and latest treatments for patients.”

Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners was chosen with specialist healthcare architect Stantec to design the new Cancer Centre following an architectural competition involving cancer patients and staff, led by construction partner Laing O’Rourke.

Anna Stewart, Chief Executive of Laing O’Rourke, says: “The topping out marks a significant milestone in a project that will undoubtedly transform cancer care and the patient experience across London.

“We are incredibly proud to have been part of this journey from the early design stages, working alongside world class partners to make Guy’s and St Thomas’ vision of a truly patient-focused Cancer Centre possible.

“Now there’s a real sense of how this vision will feel in reality, and how it will fit into the London landscape. We are looking forward to taking the project into its final stages and progressing to the handover of a landmark Cancer Centre in 2016.”

Ivan Harbour, Partner and lead designer at Rogers Stirk Harbour + Partners, adds: “We’re very proud of the Cancer Centre at Guy’s which combines a welcoming and uplifting environment with state-of-the-art treatment facilities. Designed on a human scale to provide the best possible experience for patients and their families, it also has the flexibility to adapt to support changing clinical needs over time.”

Largely funded by Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, the new Cancer Centre is also made possible by a grant of £25 million from Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity and a £15 million grant awarded to King’s College London from the UK Research Partnership Investment Fund (managed by the Higher Education Funding Council) for a Research and Innovation Hub in the new Cancer Centre.

Guy's and St Thomas' Charity has provided a grant of £1.7 million for visual and performing arts and Dimbleby Cancer Care has made a grant of £2 million.

Peter Hewitt, Chief Executive of Guy’s and St Thomas’ Charity, says: “The topping out marks another step in the journey to transform the experience of cancer patients at Guy's - something we wholeheartedly support. We fund innovative projects that transform the health and healthcare of people who live, work and are treated in Lambeth and Southwark and it’s a great privilege to work closely with Guy’s and St Thomas’ on this exciting development.”

Joe Dimbleby, Deputy Chairman of Dimbleby Cancer Care, adds: “This is another important day for the Cancer Centre project. Dimbleby Cancer Care has made a substantial grant of £2 million to its cost. We are delighted that it will house our information and support services in brand new facilities to offer vital care and support to people living with cancer.” 

The remaining £15 million of the £160 million project cost will be raised by the Guy’s Cancer Centre Appeal. More than £5 million has already been raised, leaving a target of just under £10 million.

Donations to the Appeal will help provide the finishing touches to the Cancer Centre – everything from treatment couches and wheelchairs to privacy screens and gym equipment.

Donate £5 by texting GUYS to 70800.

Last updated: March 2022

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