Work has begun to build a new state-of-the-art cancer centre at Colchester Hospital.
The team from Stroods Specialist Contractors arrived at the Turner Road site after the festive break to start the Collingwood Centre construction process.
Ground works will continue for another two weeks, but it marks the start of improving care for patients in north Essex who will be treated in a purpose built chemotherapy and haematology suite next to the hospital’s existing Radiotherapy unit.
Nick Chatten, acting Director of Estates and Facilities at East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT), which runs Colchester Hospital, said: “We’re really excited to see work is now under way on the Collingwood Centre.
“More and more people are in need of cancer care at the hospital which is why we need to develop our facilities so we can offer the best possible treatments and care for our patients.
“We will have all the specialist equipment and staff on hand when they need it most in a stress-free, more comfortable environment.”
The Collingwood Centre is expected to open by the end of this year. It will provide more modern, comfortable and welcoming facilities, creating a significantly better experience for patients, their families and carers.
The project has been funded by the Cancer Centre Campaign, a £3.25million appeal run by the Colchester and Ipswich Hospitals Charity. There is still £221,738 to raise which will be used to build a wellness centre offering counselling and support services.
Anyone interested in supporting the campaign can find out how they can donate at Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity website (opens in a new page)
Shaun Rampton, Leon Seccombe, Lee Tyler and Robert Le Chalmers