Royal Surrey Cancer Centre reopens following a multi-million-pound redevelopment

We are thrilled to announce that Royal Surrey Cancer Centre has officially reopened following a multi-million-pound redevelopment – made possible in part by £750,000 in funding from Royal Surrey Charity. You have helped create a modern, welcoming, and well-equipped space for patients receiving cancer treatment: THANK YOU!

The grand opening took place on World Cancer Day (4 February), with two-time Paralympic gold medallist Erin Kennedy cutting the ribbon. Erin, who was treated at the centre for triple-negative breast cancer, shared how much the incredible care at Royal Surrey meant to her throughout her treatment and recovery. During the ceremony, she presented the Trust with her framed TeamGB lycra from her victory in Paris, which will be proudly displayed in the new centre. She said:

“The new facilities have been designed around patient needs and provide a welcoming environment that is expertly equipped to support individuals and their loved ones going through a challenging and unsettling time.”

The redevelopment has doubled clinical space, ensuring the centre can continue to meet growing demand while maintaining the highest level of patient care. The new facilities include a spacious and light-filled waiting area, a larger café, a centrally located space for blood tests, more changing areas leading directly into clinic rooms, a dedicated information hub, and a sensitive conversation suite with a private garden and exit for patients needing privacy. Additional bathrooms and outdoor seating areas have also been introduced to enhance the overall experience.

Patients have already seen the difference these improvements have made. John Bennetts, 68, who regularly visits the centre, told us:
“When you have cancer, you can feel quite depressed, and previously, we were cramped into a tiny waiting room that didn’t do much to lift your mood. Now we have this lovely big space to sit in ahead of our appointments, and the atmosphere has completely changed, it feels more open and friendly.”

Father-of-one, John, was diagnosed with stage four prostate cancer and skin cancer six years ago and is now in remission after being treated at Royal Surrey Cancer Centre. He added:

“The improvements have made a huge psychological difference to me, and I am sure many other patients.”

This redevelopment was long overdue. When the centre (formerly St Luke’s) first opened in 1997, it was designed to care for 2,500 patients per year. Today, Royal Surrey Cancer Centre is one of the UK’s leading cancer facilities, treating over 8,000 patients annually and serving a population of three million people across the south-east.

Sophie Otter, Chief of Service for Oncology, said: “Nearly one in two of us will develop cancer during our lifetime so we must continue to develop our services. This project has seen us double the clinical space available, which will ultimately enable us to save more lives as early diagnosis and treatment options continue to grow.

“Our patients now benefit from inviting spaces and facilities that have been designed and built with their needs at the very heart.”

Chief Executive Louise Stead said: “Today is the culmination of many years of planning and hard work in partnership with our patients to create a modern facility that will help us to transform cancer care for patients.

“We know how difficult a cancer diagnosis and treatment journey can be for patients and their families. We are incredibly grateful to Erin, not only for opening our wonderful new centre, but for being so open about her own experience. We know her story has inspired and given hope to many going through similar experiences both here in the south-east and across the country.”

This incredible transformation was made possible because of you – our wonderful supporters. Every pound you donate helps us fund projects like these, making a huge difference to patients and staff. On behalf of everyone at Royal Surrey, thank you for being part of this milestone in cancer care.

Inspired?

Take part in our sponsored walk, Stride for Cancer Care on Sunday 5 October and help support more projects like these. 

Stride for Cancer Care