A DEDICATED cancer treatment centre will become a reality as part of the Hampshire Together: Modernising our Hospitals and Health Services programme.

And the ambition is to go further – not only building a new centre, but placing it at the heart of an improved network of care across the area.

Improved facilities for people with cancer has been on the wish list for the people of north and mid Hampshire for several years, with people raising more than £2million.

Philippa Aslet, lead cancer nurse at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: "“I’m so excited about the prospect of a dedicated cancer centre.

“It will enable us to pull together all of the aspects of cancer care, including specialist nurses and psycho-social support, in an environment designed to improve wellbeing.

“Our vision is to create a fantastic environment that people are happy to travel a bit further to use, while also being able to offer some treatments either in or close to patients’ homes if they would prefer that.

“This model of care has been shown to work during the COVID-19 crisis. One of the steps we took to protect potentially vulnerable patients has been to move all chemotherapy to a private hospital in Winchester. For some this meant increased journey times, but most people prefer a less clinical environment and say they are willing to travel further to experience it."

As part of the Hampshire Together programme, people across north and mid Hampshire are currently being asked for their views on the way health services are provided.

You can hear more about the opportunities as well as have your say during an online engagement event taking place at 11am on Saturday July 18.

Those interested can register by visiting www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/109854030362.