Royal Surrey expands cancer services with second dedicated oncology ward | News

Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust has expanded its cancer services with the introduction of a second dedicated oncology inpatient ward, as part of a wider programme to adapt hospital services to meet the changing needs of the local population.

This development reflects a strategic response to the growing number of inpatients requiring specialist cancer care, as well as increased demand in areas such as frailty. By reorganising ward spaces and realigning capacity across the hospital, the trust aims to ensure that patients receive high-quality care in the most appropriate setting.

An existing ward on Level E of Royal Surrey County Hospital has been adapted to create the new oncology ward, which will provide 24 additional beds for cancer and palliative care patients who are managing symptoms related to their condition. It will complement the trust’s existing cancer ward, which will continue to care for patients undergoing active oncology and haematology treatment.

Sarah Etherington, Royal Surrey’s Associate Director of Nursing for Oncology, said:

“We are proud to expand our cancer services to better meet the needs of our patients. This is part of Royal Surrey’s ongoing commitment to providing world-class cancer care and ensuring that our services evolve in line with the needs of the community we serve.

“This new ward will improve continuity of care, enhance patient experience, and support our goal of delivering compassionate end-of-life care.”

This is part of a wider programme of work that has also seen frailty, orthogeriatric, and stroke care brought together on one floor, enhancing clinical collaboration and patient outcomes.