Building work starts soon on new Sussex Cancer Centre

Work begins next month to build a unique centre that will provide unrivalled support for cancer patients.

The Sussex Macmillan Cancer Support Centre will be built opposite the Sussex Cancer Centre at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton, and is expected to open to the public in Spring 2015.

Expertly designed with input from people affected by cancer, the centre will offer all round support for cancer patients in a calm, friendly and non-medical environment, with appeals continuing for the £1.27million needed to fund the project.

The centre will provide: specialist cancer information and advice; welfare benefits advice; counselling services; complementary therapies and physical activity support; hair and skincare advice; dietary advice and a space for self-help and support groups.

The centre will also link up existing information and support services across Sussex, to ensure that cancer patients, families and carers can find the right support.

According to Macmillan, the total number of people in the county living with or beyond cancer is set to almost double between 2010 and 2030, from 60,996 to 121,400.

Dr Fiona McKinna, Lead Clinician for Radiotherapy at the Sussex Cancer Centre, said: “Being told you or someone you love has cancer can leave you feeling shocked, upset and isolated and you or your family may need support or help with practical things that matter to you before, during and after treatment.

“This centre will help provide this crucial support and ensure patients and their families have the best possible experience at what is a difficult time.”

The centre is a partnership between Macmillan Cancer Support, Sussex Cancer Fund and Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust.

To make a donation towards the cost of the centre, please ring 0300 1000 200 or email [email protected]