The local NHS is planning a major new development to bring radiotherapy services to East Sussex.
NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald & NHS Hastings and Rother - the two East Sussex primary care trusts - and the Sussex Cancer Network, working in partnership with Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals and East Sussex Hospitals NHS trusts, are planning to site the new radiotherapy service at Eastbourne District General Hospital.
“As people live longer the incidence of cancer will increase and this means more cancer services will be needed in the future. At present East Sussex patients who need radiotherapy have to travel to Brighton or Maidstone hospitals, a journey that many find arduous, especially when the treatment may make them feel unwell,” says Sam Chittenden, director of strategy and primary care for NHS East Sussex Downs and Weald and NHS Hastings and Rother.
“Working closely with the patients’ reference panel for cancer care, the new service has been designed to offer radiotherapy closer to home,” she adds.
Panel member and Eastbourne resident Margaret Ticehurst, says: “I am delighted to be part of this exciting project which, in my view, will bring real benefits to people in East Sussex. By having radiotherapy at Eastbourne, patients will be able to have high quality treatment without travelling outside the county.”
The proposal has the backing of clinicians, specialist consultants and local hospital trusts, and has been commended by the East Sussex Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee.
Part of a wider plan for better cancer services across Sussex, the radiotherapy development will take two to three years to complete. Detailed plans and specifications are being drawn up and a planning application will be made to Eastbourne Borough Council.
