Around 300 staff at the 11-storey Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool had stopped for a short tea break when screens around the new hospital lit up for their very special Royal message. They were thrilled to hear The Prince of Wales congratulating them on their efforts to get the new hospital ready in time for its first inpatients, despite the challenges posed by the global COVID-19 pandemic.
In a message lasting two-and-a-half minutes, His Royal Highness said: “I know that today is a momentous and very special occasion for everyone at the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool as you prepare to open the doors and welcome your first patients. On such a memorable day, I just wanted to express my huge appreciation for the extraordinary efforts you have made to open this pioneering facility, which will truly transform cancer care for generations to come.”
“And, as you reflect on what you have achieved, I hope you can feel an enormous sense of pride. It can have been no easy feat in the face of a global pandemic so it really is the most immense testimony to the hard work of everyone involved.”
The Prince of Wales also highlighted the enormous benefits that the new cancer centre will bring to the 2.4m people of Cheshire and Merseyside, including those most disadvantaged and in greatest need of pioneering new treatments such as immunotherapy and the most advanced forms of radiotherapy.
His Royal Highness concluded by saying: “As the NHS resumes normal activity alongside caring for those affected by COVID-19, this hospital has never been more vitally needed by the people of Cheshire and Merseyside. As this splendid new facility opens its doors today, I simply want to send to all those who work and all those who will be treated there, every possible good wish for the future.”
Dr Liz Bishop, Chief Executive of The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, said: “It meant so much to the whole team to receive such a very special message from The Prince of Wales. Everyone was truly honoured and touched by his warm words. As you can imagine, everyone has worked incredibly hard over the last few months and they were delighted to be recognised in this way by The Prince of Wales.”
The spectacular new Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool is part of a £162m investment in expanding and transforming cancer services in a region where people are more likely to develop and die from the disease than almost anywhere else in England. It welcomed its first inpatients earlier today (Saturday 27th June) and will begin daycase and outpatient treatments including chemotherapy and radiotherapy on Monday (29th June).
Sitting at the heart of Liverpool’s Knowledge Quarter – adjacent to the University of Liverpool and Royal Liverpool University Hospital – the new cancer centre will enable even better, safer care for the most complex and seriously unwell patients, with on-site access to acute medical and surgical specialties. It also significantly enhances the ability for pioneering cancer research and clinical trials.
The hospital will provide a wide range of highly-specialist cancer care including pioneering chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiotherapy, diagnostics, bone marrow transplant, and wraparound services and support.
The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust will also continue caring for patients at its existing sites in Wirral and Aintree, its clinics in hospitals across Cheshire and Merseyside, and in community settings including patients’ homes.
Note: Only the inpatient wards opened today (27th June). The hospital’s first full day of operation – including treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy – will be on Monday 29th June when it opens to daycase patients and outpatients.
Video message of appreciation from The Prince of Wales to Clatterbridge Cancer Centre – Liverpool staff.
