Members of the public are being given the chance to have a look around Oxford’s new £109m cancer centre shortly before it opens to patients.

Earlier this month, building contractors gave health managers the keys to the new centre at the Churchill Hospital in Headington.

Today, the Oxford Mail was given the opportunity to see the building, which features the cancer and haematology centre, surgery and diagnostics facilities, and the Wytham Wing for private patients.

On Monday, there is an open day for members of the public, who will get a chance to have a tour of the hospital, before it opens to patients on Monday, March 16.

The centre has been handed over to Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals by private finance initiative partners Ochre Solutions, and will include 217 beds and 10 new operating theatres.

Extra equipment was made possible by a £2m fundraising campaign and includes computer-intergrated theatres, which enable surgeons to carry out complex keyhole surgery.

Up to 100,000 patients will be treated at the centre each year. About 800 staff will work there.

Vickie Holcroft, director of relocation for Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals, said: “I have been involved in this project for eight years, planning the building and getting ready to move in.

“The new centre will really benefit patients because we have brought together all the cancer services under one roof.

“Patients will visit a much-improved environment and receive their treatment in one place.

“Shortly before we opened the West Wing and the children’s hospital in 2007, more than 1,000 people visited on our opening day.

“We would like as many people as possible to take the opportunity to come and have a look at the cancer centre because once staff and patients have moved in that will not be possible.

“Members of the public can familiarise themselves with the new centre, where they or members of their family might need to come at some stage.

“One in three of us will get cancer, so it is very important to have these new facilities which can provide the best possible care for patients.”

The main departments of the centre are oncology for non-surgical procedures, radiotherapy, surgery, radiology and the 20-bed Wytham Wing for private patients.

The Jane Ashley breast cancer ward is transferring from the Churchill Hospital itself to the second floor, and will be combined with gynaecological care.

There will also be wards for patients needing treatments for stomach and bowel cancer.

The hospital is equipped with six £1m linear accelerators, which scan patients for tumours.

The hospital’s American Garden, which was opened in 1992, has been relocated to the front of the centre, and the £2m fundraising campaign paid for other outdoor terraces and gardens.

Mrs Holcroft added: “There are light wells, artwork and garden areas throughout the building.

“Radiotherapy units are a bit like bunkers because the walls have to be one metre thick, but we have incorporated a light well in the unit’s entrance area, and tried to install windows at the end of corridors.

“We think the light and airy feel of the building will make patients’ stays more comfortable.”

Joanne Clarkson, assistant project manager, added: “Now the move is imminent, staff have been to have a look at where they will be working and are excited about the move.”

Last year, the centre won a low-carbon award for environmentally-friendly features including rainwater harvesting to flush the toilets.

Monday’s open day will run from 2pm to 8pm, with free parking at the main entrance of the centre at Chruchill Hospital.

affrench@oxfordmail.co.uk