Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool, the city’s first dedicated cancer hospital, has marked 12 months since it first opened its doors to support the care and treatment of people with cancer across the region.

Situated on Pembroke Place in the city’s Knowledge Quarter, the state-of-the-art building was opened in June 2020, in the midst of the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic. The opening of the building was not only a huge boost for people with cancer but immediately began to support the region’s response to the pandemic, freeing up bed capacity in other hospitals for oncology patients.

Since then, the hospital has treated more than 2,000 patients in its 110 individual, en-suite inpatient rooms, as well as delivered around 20,000 chemotherapy treatments and 30,000 rounds of radiotherapy.

Over 900 of the specialist trust’s 1,500 staff work there, supported by 70 volunteers.

The hospital’s close proximity to both the Royal Liverpool University Hospital and the University of Liverpool has been a boost for clinical trials, attracting top flight academics to the region, keen to find new and better ways of treating cancer.

Having the Royal Liverpool Hospital next door has also meant people with cancer have quicker access to other medical expertise, should they become acutely unwell.

Dr Liz Bishop is Chief Executive of The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust. She said: “This last year has been a year unlike any other. As a nation, as a healthcare system and as a specialist cancer hospital, we have all felt the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.  

“Whilst opening a new hospital in the middle of a global pandemic brought some challenges, our staff have carried on delivering world-class care to patients with unwavering compassion, kindness and energy.  

“Despite the challenges we continue to face, we have lots of exciting plans for the future that will help us to continue to care and treat those living with cancer in our region.” 

One of the thousands of patients treated at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool during the past 12 months is Liz Brown from Aigburth.

Liz was diagnosed with breast cancer in November 2020. She recently finished 20 rounds of chemotherapy at Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool. She’s now cancer free but will return to the centre later in the year for radiotherapy treatment.

Liz said: “Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool is amazing. When you walk in, it’s like another world, we’re so lucky to have this facility in Liverpool. Being in such amazing surroundings made the process easier, 1000%!

“I had to use the Clinical Decisions Unit a few times when I felt unwell during my treatment. This was a godsend, as it meant I could stay out of A&E and be treated by a team who are cancer specialists. I also used the Patient Helpline several times when I needed support or advice.”

Tom Pharaoh, Director of Strategy for The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Trust, is looking to the future of the centre now the hospital is up and running. He said; “Merseyside has some of the highest rates of cancer in the country and now we’ve delivered on our plans to open a specialist hospital in Liverpool, our focus turns to maximising the benefits of our new hospital.

“These include investing in research to improve outcomes for our patients, using the latest technology and digital innovations to support patient care also making our hospitals great places to work.

“We’ve got a lot to do but we’re ready for the challenge as we continue to offer the very best care to the people of Cheshire and Merseyside.”