Principal Cell and Advanced Therapy Nurse

New private cancer care facility to launch at Poole Hospital. Poole Hospital (Image: PHILIP HARTLEY) A NEW partnership is set to provide Dorset residents with private cancer services, bringing more than £50 million of investment into NHS cancer care over the next 20 years. University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) is teaming up with GenesisCare UK to launch a private patient cancer facility at Poole Hospital, offering radiotherapy and Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) services, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy. The investment will increase capacity, help patients begin treatment sooner, and fund the recruitment of additional consultants to support NHS care. Dr Ben Masters, lead oncologist at UHD, said: "The deal is really beneficial to its NHS as the income generated can be reinvested in NHS care. "M35design can also use GenesisCare's expertise to benefit patients here in Dorset. "GenesisCare's bid stood out because of their focus on exemplary patient care, the latest innovations in evidence-based treatments, research and committing to long-term resources that enables the recruitment of more NHS staff." The facility will serve patients with medical insurance or those wishing to self-pay. Paul Gearing, chief growth officer at GenesisCare, said: "This is an exciting milestone for GenesisCare and a significant investment into the future of cancer care in Dorset. "We have long believed there is a strong demand for greater access to private cancer services in the region, and this partnership creates a unique opportunity to meet that need with a purpose-built, dedicated private patient unit, located alongside the NHS." Designs are being finalised, with plans to offer this dedicated services from autumn 2027.

GenesisCare, Australia's leading cancer care provider, is collaborating with SeeTreat to deploy ART.1 software across more than 40 radiation oncology centres from July 2026. The technology enables automated, adaptive treatment evaluation for eligible cancer patients. The partnership follows a multidisciplinary study of 64 head and neck, breast and prostate cancer patients, which demonstrated significant benefits in standardising and scaling adaptive workflows. The software helps identify which patients would benefit from adjusted treatment plans during therapy, addressing anatomical changes that can cause unwanted side effects. SeeTreat, founded in 2023, has UKCA mark, CE mark and Australian ARTG registration, with FDA approval pending. GenesisCare treats over 35,000 patients annually across more than 50 Australian locations.

HBC begins main works on pioneering cancer centre in Leeds. HBC Construction Limited (HBC), formerly known as Henry Boot Construction, has begun work on a new cancer centre in Leeds for the UK's leading independent cancer care provider, GenesisCare. The project involves the significant refurbishment of a former office building into a state-of-the-art 36,000 sq ft oncology, haematology and research centre, making it the largest centre in GenesisCare's 16-strong UK network. Setting a new benchmark for adaptive radiotherapy in the UK, the centre at Thorpe Park, Leeds will offer both MRI and CT guided radiotherapy, enabling highly adaptive and innovative treatment tailored to each patient. It will become a significant part of GenesisCare's network of centres across the UK that provide patients with access to advanced adaptive radiotherapy. Preparatory works for the new centre, including soft strip demolition and enabling works, were completed on site earlier this year ahead of the main build which comprises structural and façade alterations, internal refurbishment and fit out of specialist treatment facilities. These include the construction of two concrete bunkers for Linac treatment facilities, as well as MRI, CT, and X-Ray scanners. Hard and soft landscaping will also form part of the construction works, featuring an elevated, first floor, external garden for patients undergoing Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy, an external services plant area, and switch room and sub-station. The project builds on HBC's strong track record in healthcare construction, including the delivery of a significant extension to Weston Park Hospital's radiology department in 2024. Lee Powell, Managing Director of HBC, said: "Growthyorkshire is proud to be delivering this pioneering oncology, haematology and research centre in Leeds following a successful two-stage tender process. The relationship has allowed Growthyorkshire to understand the key priorities for GenesisCare and develop an accelerated programme for timely delivery and installation of specialist equipment. "With the main works now underway, Growthyorkshire is privileged to be playing its part in enhancing cancer services across the North of England and Scotland. It's incredibly rewarding to know this facility will make a real difference for patients, giving them access to the latest treatments closer to home. "This project reflects HBC's ongoing commitment to healthcare developments and to supporting local communities through high-quality infrastructure." Justin Hely, CEO at GenesisCare, said: "GenesisCare is committed to delivering world-class care to people throughout the UK undergoing cancer treatment. We continue to make excellent progress at our new Centre in Leeds and are on track to bring advanced cancer care to individuals in the North of England and Scotland by the end of this year. We're looking forward to opening our doors and providing a wide range of diagnostic and cancer care services locally and without delay." Set to open December 2026, this pioneering centre will provide those in the North of England and Scotland with the latest cancer care, having previously had to travel to GenesisCare sites in Oxford or London for such advanced treatments. The appointment marks one of HBC's first major healthcare schemes since its management buyout at the start of this year. HBC continues to expand its portfolio across the Yorkshire region, following recent projects in Wakefield, York and Rotherham.