Agenda item - Sussex Cancer Centre: presentation from University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust

Verbal presentation – TO BE CONFIRMED

17.1    This item was introduced by Lisa Barrott, University Hospitals Sussex Director of Nursing (cancer); and by Robert Cairney, UHSx Director of Capital Development & Property.

17.2    Mr Cairney explained the background to the 3Ts development of the Royal Sussex County Hospital (RSCH) site. Ms Barrott outlined what the Sussex Cancer Centre (SCC) will deliver, and how this will represent a major improvement in cancer services for Sussex residents. Ms Barrott also detailed how the new build will provide a pleasant environment delivering therapeutic benefits for patients as well as meeting tough environmental standards.

17.3    Mr Cairney told members that plans for the SCC include

o   the creation of a public plaza to be shared with the Louisa Martindale Building. This will improve access to the hospital and provide more space for patients and staff. It is particularly important that staff have access to calm spaces as delivering cancer care is very stressful.

o   Access for patients by car, ambulance and public transport. These will be separate to the entrances to the main hospital and have been designed to minimise disruption to the local community.

o   An additional 105 parking spaces.

17.4    Mr Cairney also outlined plans for stage 3 of 3Ts, the development of a service yard to provide logistical support to the entire hospital. This will be operational by 2027.

17.5    Cllr Wilkinson asked whether, given the longstanding capacity issues at RSCH, there were guarantees that the SCC would not get used as emergency department overflow. Ms Barrott responded that the SCC is not a fully standalone unit as it is important that there is easy access to hospital services such as radiology and to intensive care. However, the SCC is functionally separate from the main hospital and everyone at the hospital recognises the critical importance of cancer care.

17.6    In response to a question from Cllr Wilkinson on taxi ranks, Mr Cairney told the committee that the current taxi rank by outpatients would remain. There will be room to create an additional bay by the SCC with room for 2-3 cars.

17.7    Cllr Asaduzzaman asked whether there was confidence that the SCC would be future proof, particularly in terms of increased demands from an ageing population. Ms Barrott replied that this is a challenge. Additional headroom has been included in the SCC, but it is also important to note that there are cancer facilities at hospitals in Chichester, Worthing and Hayward’s Heath. These can all be utilised to deal with additional future demand.

17.8    In response to a question from Cllr Evans about cancer performance across the Trust, Ms Barrott responded that there are currently significant challenges and the Trust is in Tier 1 (the highest level of oversight). However, there have been recent improvements in waiting times.

17.9    Cllr Evans asked whether it was the intention to undertake more cancer surgery locally. Ms Barrott responded that the SCC is not a surgical unit. However, University Hospitals Sussex is looking at its cancer surgery pathways with the intention of increasing the range of procedures that can be delivered locally.

17.10  Cllr Hill asked a question about links between the SCC and city universities. Ms Barrott responded that this is a key area, with a major aim of the SCC being to improve research. There are good links with local universities. Building a reputation for quality research will also help with recruitment to the SCC.

17.11  The Chair thanked the presenters for their time.