The Christie NHS Foundation Trust and Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a specialist cancer facility.
While an ambulatory cancer centre was already included within plans for the replacement Leighton Hospital, the new agreement will see the facility operate as a Christie Neighbourhood Cancer Centre.
The unit will enable patients across Mid Cheshire to receive specialist treatments such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy closer to home rather than travelling to The Christie's main site in Withington, Manchester.
Further details of the cancer centre will be developed as planning for the new Leighton Hospital progresses.
The larger redevelopment of Leighton Hospital under the NHP
The specialist cancer unit will form part of the wider £1.3bn Leighton Hospital replacement project, being delivered through the government’s New Hospital Programme after receiving planning approval in June.
Planning documents for the scheme include a 5,000 sqm Ambulatory Cancer Care Centre alongside a new 107,500 sqm, six-storey replacement hospital, a Central Sterile Services Department (CSSD), new energy infrastructure, a multi-storey car park with up to 1,000 spaces and upgraded access roads.
Four existing hospital buildings will also be retained and adapted as part of the wider development.
The Integrated Health Projects (IHP) joint venture of Sir Robert McAlpine and VINCI has been appointed as preferred delivery partner for the Hospital 2.0 facility, with construction expected to begin in 2027 ahead of opening in 2032.
Planning approval for the redevelopment was granted by Cheshire East Council in June, following a public consultation on the proposals.
The new hospital is planned for land acquired to the north of the existing Leighton Hospital site and is intended to be one of the UK's most digitally advanced hospitals.
