Oxford University Hospitals and Milton Keynes University Hospital have joined forces to provide radiotherapy services with the launch of a new centre.

The Oxford University Hospitals Radiotherapy Centre will be at Milton Keynes University Hospital and is set to be operated by leading clinicians from the Oxford University Hospitals.

The centre will be linked to the Milton Keynes Cancer Centre, which was opened in 2020.

Construction on the new centre is expected to be completed by the summer.

A six-month phase will follow, in which the radiotherapy apparatus will be installed and subjected to commissioning tests.

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The expectation is that by next winter, the first patients can receive treatment from the new centre.

Currently, nearly all patients hailing from Milton Keynes requiring radiotherapy have to commute further, primarily to Oxford and other areas to receive treatment.

Chief operating officer at Oxford University Hospitals, Sara Randall, said: "I am delighted that the Oxford University Hospitals Radiotherapy Centre at Milton Keynes is now a step nearer – this follows many years of planning and hard work to get to this point.

"The difference this new facility will make to local cancer patients and their families is so important.

"The reduction in travel time means less stress and anxiety and more time to do other things.

"This brings quality care closer to home for our patients, which reflects our Trust values of compassion and excellence."

Dr Ketan Shah, head of radiotherapy at Oxford Cancer Centre, added: "We are so pleased that we will be able to substantially reduce the need to travel while delivering radiotherapy care for patients from the Milton Keynes area.

"Oxford University Hospitals Radiotherapy is about consistent, high quality, cutting-edge treatment, given with individual care – the same service but closer to home."

Currently, Oxford University Hospitals manages renal services and some emergency cardiology in Milton Keynes city.

Both trusts aim to improve specialist care access for the local population, bringing expertise closer home.

Joe Harrison, the chief executive officer at Milton Keynes University Hospital, said: "We are delighted to be working with Oxford University Hospitals to expand cancer services here at Milton Keynes University Hospital.

"We understand how important it is for our patients to be able to access the care they need within their local community, and our new Radiotherapy Centre is just another example of how we continue to strive to meet the health needs of our growing city.

"We are also grateful to Milton Keynes City Council for their continued support and investment in this new facility."