The government has green lit the construction of a new regional centre of excellence for cancer care at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.
Laing O鈥橰ourke has been confirmed as main contractor for the five-storey building, following on from its delivery of The Louisa Martindale Building next door.聽A 聽40-week work programme of enabling works on site began last April.
The 拢250m Sussex Cancer Centre is part of Wave 1 of the New Hospitals Programme and is expected to open in 2029, expanding the hospital鈥檚 capacity for cancer care three-fold.聽 It is expected to see 60,000 patients a year.
Laing O鈥橰ourke managing director Peter Lyons said: 鈥淭his is an incredible project and one that I am proud we are a part of. The new cancer centre will transform the experience of care for patients and the work environment for staff.
鈥淎t Laing O鈥橰ourke we have a rich history in delivering hospitals, including The Louisa Martindale Building, so we鈥檒l be able to use the power of our experience to improve the safety and efficiency on site, while guaranteeing the quality of product. Leveraging digital design and offsite manufacturing, along with our integrated supply chain, we鈥檒l be able to minimise disruption to local residents.鈥�
New Hospitals Programme chief programme officer Natalie Forrest added: 鈥淲ith above-ground works starting onsite this summer, new Sussex Cancer Centre will replace outdated facilities with a modern, purpose-designed hospital delivering safer, faster, and more personalised cancer care for people across Sussex.鈥�
Dr Sarah Westwell, consultant clinical oncologist and chief of service for cancer, said: 鈥淔or our patients and all the staff I鈥檝e worked alongside for years, this is a watershed moment that finally brings our facilities in line with the world-class care we strive to deliver every day.
鈥淥ur new Sussex Cancer Centre will offer privacy, dignity, and hope to our patients, and as doctors, nurses, therapists, technicians and researchers, we鈥檙e all thrilled to be able to help craft a new clinical home where medical excellence, outstanding care and leading research can be woven into every step of our patient鈥檚 journey.鈥�