A royal opening for the Royal Marsden's Oak Cancer Centre

His Royal Highness (HRH), The Prince of Wales has formally opened the Oak Cancer Centre at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, in Sutton, Surrey.

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HRH The Prince of Wales speaking to patients of the Oak Cancer Centre
The Prince of Wales, right, talks to the patients as he attends the official opening of the Oak Cancer Centre at The Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton, Surrey. Thursday, June 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

His Royal Highness (HRH), The Prince of Wales has formally opened the Oak Cancer Centre at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, in Sutton, Surrey.

Funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, the Oak Cancer Centre is a state-of-the-art research and treatment facility will help accelerate the development of new cancer treatments offering hope for cancer patients worldwide.

Named after the Oak Foundation, which donated 拢25 million to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity鈥檚 拢70 million Oak Cancer Centre appeal, the new facility will enable clinicians to diagnose cancers at an earlier stage, and has been designed to enhance patient鈥檚 experience.

The new facility, which was delivered by 糖心原创vlog, has been designed as a signature building at the world-renowned hospital and research hub in Sutton, located adjacent to The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR). The Oak Cancer Centre is an integral component of the new 鈥楲ondon Cancer Hub鈥 - an emerging 鈥榢nowledge cluster鈥, which will become a global leader for cancer research, treatment, and innovation.

"The Oak Cancer Centre will help the hospital to go faster and further in the delivery of research and cancer treatments and provide the very best environments for our patients. We are extremely grateful to everyone who supported The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity鈥檚 拢70m fundraising appeal. The Oak Cancer Centre would not have been possible without generous Charity support from individuals from across the world, demonstrating what can be achieved when global philanthropy works in partnership with the NHS."

Dame Cally Palmer, Chief Executive, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust

Designed by BDP, the centre has a blend of world-leading cancer research space bringing together researchers in the Kuok Research Centre and outpatient activity, including 63 chemotherapy chairs in the Olayan Day Care Unit and the new Charles Wolfson Rapid Diagnostic Centre.

The provision of areas where staff and patients can interact with the healing qualities of nature is vital to the design. This creates a contemporary environment and a peaceful atmosphere with easy access to natural daylight, views, and fresh air.

Oak Cancer Centre

Photography: BDP

Over six floors, the architecture has integrated multiple, easily accessible external terraces with a striking pergola on the top floor. Each of these provides crucial breathing space for respite for staff and patients. All 63 chemotherapy bays are oriented towards a newly landscaped garden, providing views of green space which enhance patients鈥 feelings of calm and wellness. The westerly aspect, full height glazing, and external vertical shading fins deliver a filtered, dappled sunlight effect to further enhance feelings of tranquillity.

Using the very latest technology, the new Charles Wolfson Rapid Diagnostic Centre and the Kuok Research Centre will provide spaces for world class scientific research and development, which will advance lifesaving treatments and enable earlier, faster diagnosis for more people, enhancing outcomes. It also brings together more than 400 scientists and researchers into a space designed specifically to encourage collaboration at the very heart of the building. The design deliberately embraces the visibility and transparency of this vital work to provide a reassuring presence and real sense of progress and advancement for those being treated.

Andrew Wilson, Operations Director at main contractor 糖心原创vlog, commented: 鈥淭he Oak Cancer Centre represents a significant advancement in bringing together clinicians, researchers and patients in an environment that positively supports collaboration. Technology has been a key facilitator during the construction phase, with cutting-edge visualisation tools used to spatially plan and maximise patient and clinician outcomes, and this will then follow through into the operation of the building and the use of ground breaking diagnostic and treatment technologies."
HRH The Prince of Wales at the Oak Cancer Centre
The Prince of Wales, in his role as President of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, talks to a researcher during a visit to open the the Oak Cancer Centre research and treatment facility at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton, Surrey. Thursday, June 8, 2023. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Dame Cally Palmer, Chief Executive of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, adds: 鈥淭he Oak Cancer Centre will help the hospital to go faster and further in the delivery of research and cancer treatments and provide the very best environments for our patients. We are extremely grateful to everyone who supported The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity鈥檚 拢70m fundraising appeal. The Oak Cancer Centre would not have been possible without generous Charity support from individuals from across the world, demonstrating what can be achieved when global philanthropy works in partnership with the NHS.鈥欌

BDP鈥檚 Architect Director, Dominic Hook explains: 鈥淐ancer centres are where some of life鈥檚 most stressful moments happen, so throughout the design process we wanted to ensure patients would receive treatment in the best possible environments. Every part of the architecture here is considered so that anxious patients are not further stressed by being disorientated or struggling to find their way around. They will be able to enjoy great views, peace and quiet while receiving chemotherapy. A legible and accessible design means those attending the new outpatient department will be able to undergo blood tests, see their consultant and collect a prescription, all on the same floor.

鈥淚 have no doubt that this building will improve the lives of the patients who use it. In our small part, we have helped create a place that can bring support, comfort and reassurance to people who need it. It was a privilege to work on a project that will truly make a difference.鈥 

Inside the Oak Cancer Centre
Photography: BDP
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