After many years of planning, fundraising by Brighter Futures and construction, the official opening of the new Oxford University Hospitals Radiotherapy Centre at Swindon’s Great Western Hospital has finally taken place.
It is expected that the first patient will be treated at the Radiotherapy Centre later in the summer ensuring over 13,000 patient journeys for radiotherapy treatment will be significantly shorter every year.
Just nine months after the official ground breaking ceremony, patients and supporters from Oxford University Hospitals and Great Western Hospitals joined together today, alongside building firm Sisk, for the official opening.
The ribbon was cut by two patients from Swindon, Fred Bassett and Sandra McGlone, alongside Liam Coleman, Chairman, Cat Weaver, Associate Director of Fundraising and Voluntary Services and senior representatives from Oxford University Hospitals.
Kevin McNamara, Chief Executive, said: “Radiotherapy being provided from Swindon has been in the pipeline for a number of years, and I’m thrilled that we are opening a brand-new Radiotherapy Centre right here on the Great Western Hospital site.
“Every day, many local people travel over 70 miles to Oxford for treatment but bringing radiotherapy closer to home will save thousands every year the extra travel and stress during what is an extremely difficult time.
“We are only in a position to open the Centre due to the help and support of so many; from staff, contractors, architects and our local community who have been instrumental in raising millions for the Radiotherapy Appeal.
“My thanks goes to every person who has helped us get to this stage. We hope that, with the relationship we’ve formed with Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, many patients will have a much better experience when receiving treatment for cancer.”
