Dyson Cancer Centre in Bath to open later than planned

The opening of a new cancer centre at a hospital has been delayed.

The Dyson Cancer Centre at the Royal United Hospital Bath (RUH) will now expect patients in spring 2024, rather than at the end of 2023.

The RUH said this was due to a shortage of engineers.

Libby Walters, RUH chief financial officer, said: "We know how disappointing this will be for our patients and staff. We are very sorry.

"We are maintaining the highest quality build whilst also allowing enough time to safely equip the new building, deep clean it and ensure our staff are familiar with their new working environment."

Once open, the Dyson Cancer Centre will bring together the majority of the RUH's cancer services, including research, under one roof.

It will provide oncology, chemotherapy and radiotherapy services, as well as a 22-bed inpatient ward and Macmillan wellbeing hub.

Ros Helps, RUH lead cancer nurse, said: "Anyone who has been to the RUH recently will have seen the impressive three-storey Dyson Cancer Centre.

"The exterior is complete and all the activity is focused on finishing the interior, including the light-filled atrium that will provide such a welcoming space for our patients and their loved ones.

"In the New Year we'll take possession of the building and start fitting it out with all the equipment we need to care for patients."

The £50m centre is backed by more than £40m of government funding, and supported in part by a £4m donation from The James Dyson Foundation.

A further £1m was donated by the Medlock Charitable Trust, £1.5m by Macmillan Cancer Support and £5m was also raised by RUHX, the official charity of the trust.

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