Liverpool’s brand new state of the art cancer hospital will start its life saving treatment in six months.
The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre Liverpool is due to open in May in the heart of the city's Knowledge Quarter.
The 11-storey hospital is part of a £162million investment in cancer services for Merseyside and surrounding areas. The investment also includes improvements to the current Wirral site.
With the number of deaths from cancer in Merseyside 20 per cent higher than the national average, the need for a hospital dedicated to treating the disease is greater than ever.
The hospital is being built in Pembroke Place, very near to the University of Liverpool and the Royal Liverpool University Hospital to increase opportunities for research into new treatments for cancer, as well as offering improved access for patients needing other specialist healthcare services.
Liz Bishop, chief executive of The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre, said: “The challenge of cancer for us in the north west today is significant and we are facing it head on by building the best possible future for people in our region.
“We are immensely proud of the culture of care that has been developed throughout our sites for the past 60 years and we are making this exciting expansion into Liverpool, retaining the exceptional spirit of The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.”
Victoria Kehoe, 41, from West Derby, is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment for breast cancer at The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and while she was full of praise for the staff there, she said a new facility in the city centre would make a real difference to patients.
Victoria said: “When you’re having chemotherapy, you just want to get through your next treatment. Aside from all the other emotions going on, it can often be very lonely and boring, sitting for hours on end while the drugs are administered.
“The new hospital in Liverpool will have the most amazing views over the city from the chemotherapy bays. Just something as simple as being able to look out at a lovely view will make being in hospital so much more bearable. It’s going to be of such a benefit to patients like me who need a pick-me-up during such an emotional time.”
The new hospital has been partly funded through an appeal by The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity, which has £5million left to raise to help make the new hospital the best it can be for patients.
The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre Liverpool is due to open in May. Outpatient cancer treatment will continue at the hospital’s sites in Wirral and in Aintree.
For more information about the new Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool, visit their website .
