NHS England are deciding the future of children's cancer services at The Royal Marsden in Sutton. We have just 6 months to make sure the needs of children are prioritised. 

The Oak Centre for Children and Young People could be closed having an enormous impact on patients, parents, and families across the whole of South East England, from Surrey, Sussex, Kent and Essex; as well as knock on effects to childhood cancer research across the UK. 

What are the options being considered?

  - Move all children's cancer services to The Evelina at Guy's & St Thomas' Hospital in London

  - Move all children's cancer services to St George's Hospital in Tooting

  - Build a new hospital next to The Royal Marsden in Sutton that has a Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)

A recently commissioned NHS report fails to consider the wider impact of any proposed changes. Children and young people treated at The Royal Marsden have access to the best possible clinical care, professional expertise, and outstanding facilities less than a decade old. As a dedicated cancer centre The Royal Marsden is recognised internationally for its reputation and access to innovation and new advancements in the treatment of cancer. It's location adjacent to the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) enables clinicians and researchers to work closely together every day, ensuring that patients at The Royal Marsden and beyond are able to benefit from the latest breakthroughs in cancer research.

Currently, children who require intensive care services are transferred by critical care ambulance to St George's Hospital in nearby Tooting. This arrangement has been in place for many years. However, a new service specification from NHS England means that The Royal Marsden is no longer seen as providing adequate care for children.

Moving cancer care away from The Royal Marsden, one of the largest comprehensive children and young people's cancer centres in Europe, will have a hugely detrimental effect on the vulnerable patients and families that depend on the life-saving treatments it delivers. We cannot allow this to happen.

A solution that retains specialist cancer services for children at The Royal Marsden must be found. 

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