His Royal Highness Prince William, The Prince of Wales, has formally opened the Oak Cancer Centre at The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, in Sutton, Surrey.
Funded by The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, the Oak Cancer Centre is a state-of-the-art research and treatment facility that will help accelerate the development of new cancer treatments, offering hope for cancer patients worldwide.
Named after the Oak Foundation, which donated £25m to The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity’s £70m appeal, the facility will enable clinicians to diagnose cancers at an earlier stage and has been designed to enhance the patient experience.
A signature building at the world-renowned hospital and research hub in Sutton, it is located adjacent to The Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) and is an integral component of the new ‘London Cancer Hub’ – an emerging ‘knowledge cluster’ which will become a global leader for cancer research, treatment, and innovation.
Considered design
Carefully-considered, clinical design by BDP Architects has created a blend of world-leading cancer research spaces, bringing together researchers in the Kuok Research Centre and outpatient activity, including 63 chemotherapy chairs in the Olayan Day Care Unit and the new Charles Wolfson Rapid Diagnostic Centre.
Every part of the architecture here is considered so that anxious patients are not further stressed by being disorientated or struggling to find their way around
The provision of areas where staff and patients can interact with the healing qualities of nature is also vital to the design, which creates a contemporary environment and a peaceful atmosphere with easy access to natural daylight, views, and fresh air.
Set over six floors, the architecture has integrated multiple, easily-accessible external terraces with a striking pergola on the top floor.
Each of these provides crucial breathing space for respite for staff and patients.
And all 63 chemotherapy bays are oriented towards a newly-landscaped garden, providing views of green space which enhances feelings of calm and wellness.
The westerly aspect, full-height glazing, and external vertical shading fins deliver a filtered, dappled sunlight effect to further enhance feelings of tranquility.
The centre was officially opened by HRH Prince William, the Prince of Wales. Image by Kin Cheung
World-class research
Using the very-latest technology, the new Charles Wolfson Rapid Diagnostic Centre and the Kuok Research Centre will provide spaces for world-class scientific research and development, which will advance lifesaving treatments and enable earlier, faster diagnosis for more people, enhancing outcomes.
It also brings together more than 400 scientists and researchers into a space designed specifically to encourage collaboration at the very heart of the building.
Cancer centres are where some of life’s most-stressful moments happen, so throughout the design process we wanted to ensure patients would receive treatment in the best-possible environments
The design deliberately embraces the visibility and transparency of this vital work to provide a reassuring presence and real sense of progress and advancement for those being treated.
BDP’s architect director, Dominic Hook, explains: “Cancer centres are where some of life’s most-stressful moments happen, so throughout the design process we wanted to ensure patients would receive treatment in the best-possible environments.
“Every part of the architecture here is considered so that anxious patients are not further stressed by being disorientated or struggling to find their way around.
The design aims to enhance the patient experience, with lots of natural light and external terraces. Image by BDP/Nick Caville
Improving lives
“They will be able to enjoy great views, peace, and quiet while receiving chemotherapy.
“And a legible and accessible design means those attending the new outpatient department will be able to undergo blood tests, see their consultant and collect a prescription, all on the same floor.
“I have no doubt that this building will improve the lives of the patients who use it.
“In our small part, we have helped create a place that can bring support, comfort, and reassurance to people who need it.”
Andrew Wilson, operations director at main contractor, ISG, adds: “The Oak Cancer Centre represents a significant advancement in bringing together clinicians, researchers, and patients in an environment that positively supports collaboration.
“Technology has been a key facilitator during the construction phase, with cutting-edge visualisation tools used to spatially plan and maximise patient and clinician outcomes, and this will then follow through into the operation of the building and the use of ground-breaking diagnostic and treatment technologies.”