14 December 2022

A key element of plans to upgrade acute hospital services across Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin and mid Wales will be to improve services for people needing treatment for cancer.

Every year, the Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust carries out over 2000 operations for cancer. Any delay to these operations may affect success of treatment and recovery.

The dedicated planned care site in Telford will provide benefits for all residents, including:

  • Cancer surgery that can take place all year round utilising dedicated theatres and wards, avoiding disruptions linked to high numbers of emergency admissions
  • Shorter waiting times for cancer treatment, improving the long-term health prospects of our patients

Dr Steve McKew, Medical Director for Surgery, Anaesthetics and Cancer at Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, said: “The earlier cancer is diagnosed and treated, the better a patient’s chances are of not only surviving, but also of living well after diagnosis and treatment.

“Whilst cancer operations are very rarely cancelled, the future plans will create an increase in the dedicated capacity for cancer services, both in the diagnostic and treatment phases of a patient’s journey.

“Long-term I believe we need to work differently to address these issues and to help patients get faster access to cancer treatment. By having our surgeons and cancer specialists working together in dedicated facilities, we can create a specialist cancer service that we are all proud of, and that provides a great environment for both patients and staff.  Supported by chemotherapy services at both hospital sites, we can broaden the opportunities for people to begin and continue their treatment, helping them to maintain a better quality of life and increasing survival chances.

“As well as improving care for people with cancer, the new ways of working will support the wellbeing of our fantastic workforce and help us to attract and retain more of the specialist clinical staff we need.”