Celebrations At MKUH Cancer Centre

Milton Keynes University Hospital (MKUH) yesterday (Tuesday 9 March) celebrated a significant milestone as its Cancer Centre marked the sixth anniversary of its opening and the completion of five full years of cancer care provided to local residents.

Since opening its doors on 9 March 2020, the Cancer Centre has undertaken around 230,000 appointments for speciality haematology and oncology, led by a multidisciplinary team of highly trained professionals who have delivered more than 54,000 treatments to patients. The Cancer Centre has also become a trusted and expert specialist hub offering world-class diagnostics, chemotherapy and holistic wellbeing support to residents of the city.

Before its opening, cancer services in Milton Keynes were dispersed across outdated facilities that operated in multiple locations. The purpose‑built Cancer Centre brought these services together under one roof for the first time, creating calming spaces equipped with state‑of‑the‑art technology and designed in partnership with clinical teams and those with lived experience of cancer.

MKUH Head of Cancer Centre Services and Chief Cancer Nurse, Sally Burnie, said:

“Celebrating the anniversary of the Cancer Centre is such an important moment for the Trust especially since Covid-19 meant that we were unable to celebrate its opening. Today is a wonderful chance to say a massive thank you to our colleagues and supporters whose hard work and belief made the Cancer Centre a reality in 2020.

“Without it, many of our patients would still be travelling across multiple sites for treatment, adding unnecessary stress at an already difficult time. I am very proud that MKUH has been able to offer high‑quality, local care that transforms patient experience and supports recovery.”

MKUH Chief Executive Joe Harrison added:

“It has been a pleasure to witness the journey of the Cancer Centre since 2020. We are incredibly lucky to have a team of truly dedicated and skilled colleagues who care deeply about improving outcomes for cancer patients. Their efforts have built up the Cancer Centre's reputation as a place where people will receive expert, quality and compassionate care.

“Demand for cancer care in Milton Keynes is at a record high and the Cancer Centre is needed now more than ever. We are committed to maintaining the high standard of care that patients have come to expect from the Cancer Centre and building our capabilities so that future patients can live well after a cancer diagnosis.”

Patient Stephanie Lawson said:

“I was diagnosed with bowel cancer in 2018 and have been undergoing treatment for eight years. When I first visited the Cancer Centre, I was immediately given someone to liaise with which made everything so straightforward - the team is made up of walking angels. It takes a certain type of person to be a cancer nurse - they have to deal with so much on a daily basis and they truly are amazing.

“In comparison to the old unit, the Cancer Centre is so much brighter, more comfortable and far less cramped - that environment makes an enormous difference during such a difficult time.”

Chair of the fundraising appeal, Jan Flawn CBE, said:

“It was an honour to chair the fundraising committee for the Cancer Centre. Our team worked tirelessly to contribute these funds, from organising small community events to delivering our successful Gala Balls supported by generous local businesses. The kindness of local people and organisations helped us reach our fundraising target and provide the vital extras that make a real difference to everyone who uses the Cancer Centre.

“My sincere thanks go to Vanessa Holmes, Assistant Director of the MK Hospital Charity, and to all the wonderful individuals and businesses whose support made this achievement possible.”