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Cancer Centre celebrates 10 year anniversary

11/04/2019
This article is more than four years old.

Oxford University Hospitals' Cancer Centre, a world leader in its research and treatment of cancer, has marked the 10 years milestone since it opened in spring 2009.

Today (11 April 2019), Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust held an event to celebrate all the dedicated staff who make the Cancer Centre what it is - a national centre of excellence, providing advanced treatment and care, as well as outstanding support for patients and their families.

Chief Executive Dr Bruno Holthof, Trust Chair Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery, Medical Director Professor Meghana Pandit, Cancer Centre Matron Hayley Smith, and Oxford Hospitals Charity's Chief Executive Dr Douglas Graham attended the cutting of a birthday cake along with members of staff.

Professor Sir Jonathan Montgomery, Chair of the Trust, said: "We are very proud of the Cancer Centre, which is a top class service in our Trust. It has made a real difference to patients treated here thanks to the improvements it brought over the last 10 years.

"Working closely with the University of Oxford and Cancer Research UK, the Centre has been a significant base for research, ensuring that our patients have rapid access to clinical trials of new treatments and procedures. 

"Most of all, we are proud of all the fabulous staff at the Cancer Centre. I cannot thank them enough for the work they do every day to fight cancer, care for patients, and support their families."

Moving from wartime 'temporary' buildings that housed the Radiotherapy and Oncology Department, the Centre was officially opened in 2009 by then Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

For the first time, patients were able to undergo investigation and treatment on one site, instead of having to visit four separate hospital sites in the different stages of their treatment.

Over the last 10 years, the Centre has provided the most advanced care as well as state of the art facilities. Oxford Hospitals Charity has fundraised for those 'extras' not available through NHS funding, which has also ensured the Centre had the best equipment and facilities for our expert clinical teams and their patients.

Dr Douglas Graham, Oxford Hospitals Charity's Chief Executive, said: "If you spend any time at the Churchill's Cancer Centre you cannot help but be utterly inspired by the dedicated staff who work here. At Oxford Hospitals Charity we know that so many patients, who make donations, undertake fundraising events and challenges or indeed leave a gift in their will to the Cancer Centre, are doing so to say thank you for the care they or a loved one has received from these wonderful NHS teams.

"Ten years ago, we asked for help from the Oxfordshire community to raise £3 million to fund some of the very best medical equipment and facilities for the Cancer and Haematology Centre. Today, we ask that those that have a special place in their heart for this Centre to consider making a regular gift of £10 to allow us to continue our important work."