“Physically isolated” Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology to become satellite centre under £94m plans to transfer cancer services to Liverpool

Nov 2 2011 by Liza Williams, Birkenhead News

“ISOLATED” Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology will become a satellite centre under £94m plans to transfer Merseyside’s cancer services to Liverpool.

Wirral News reported in July how plans to transfer Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology to the Royal Liverpool Hospital were being discussed.

Last week the hospitals released more details about the proposal, revealing a satellite centre will remain in Wirral for outpatient chemotherapy and radiotherapy, with Clatterbridge running the Liverpool site.

Health chiefs described it as “a once-in-a-generation opportunity” to radically enhance cancer care.

A joint statement said: “Proposed investment in the region’s cancer services would see Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology expand its services to create a world-class cancer centre on the campus of the new Royal Liverpool Hospital by 2017.

“The investment will enhance the patient experience and improve outcomes for patients across the region.”

Commissioners will decide whether to support the proposal at a regional Primary Care Trust (PCT) board meeting today (Wednesday).

Board papers said: “Clatterbridge Centre for Oncology’s base in Bebington is not centrally located for the population it serves, with 67% of the population living north of the River Mersey.

“The main base is isolated from other specialist cancer services and cannot provide acute services, such as intensive care for the sickest of patients.

“The Royal site is shared with the University of Liverpool’s School of Cancer Studies, Cancer Research UK and the Clatterbridge Cancer Research laboratories, forming a bio-campus of innovation and collaboration.

“Only Clatterbridge remains physically isolated. All patients, including those from Wirral and western Cheshire, will benefit from greater participation in international-standard research and clinical trials.”

Alison McGovern, MP for Wirral South, said she supported the plan but wanted to make sure the services left in Wirral do not suffer.

She said: “There are however unanswered questions relating to the funding of this development.”

Ms McGovern has organised a meeting at Bebington Civic Centre at 7.30pm on Tuesday, November 15 to discuss these proposals.

The hospitals’ statement added: “The proposal is still in its early stages and a case will be developed, informed by public and stakeholder engagement, over the next 12-18 months.”