The announcement from The Christie charity of major new plans to build a state-of-the-art cancer centre in Macclesfield District General Hospital’s grounds was welcomed by local MP, David Rutley. He met recently with the team leading the fundraising project, to give it his strong support and to welcome this development, as a strong vote of confidence in the future of Macclesfield District General Hospital.
At the meeting, The Christie’s Head of Major Relationships, Marie Toller, and Louise Stimson, Head of Fundraising explained that the new centre would provide cancer care closer to home for more than 1,500 local patients per year, and would bring together essential cancer services, such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, clinical trials, outpatient services, and palliative care, under one roof. The new centre would also mean significantly reduced journey times - for some patients by as much as two hours - as they will no longer have to travel to The Christie site in South Manchester to receive treatment.
David was pleased to learn that the new centre would feature a range of specialist equipment, helping to ensure that patients in Cheshire East are receiving the most up-to-date treatment available.
If planning permission is granted, it is expected that work on the two-storey unit will begin later this year, with the centre due to be fully opened by 2021. The Christie charity is aiming to raise £23 million, and is planning a number of fundraising events over the next three years to help realise its aspirations and deliver on this important project for patients. Any local residents that would like to donate to the fundraising appeal can do so at: www.christies.org/macclesfield
Commenting after his meeting, David said, "I strongly welcome this important commitment for cancer patients, and their families and carers, in North East Cheshire. The decision to build the new cancer centre at Macclesfield District Hospital is a clear vote of confidence in Macclesfield District General Hospital, and helps build on East Cheshire NHS Trust's already well-established relationship with The Christie. I look forward to actively supporting this ambitious project in the months ahead."