Revised plan for 'critical' cancer drug centre approved at Wexham Park Hospital
The current suite prepares approximately 750 chemotherapy doses each month
A revised plan for a crucial building dedicated to the production of cancer treatments at Wexham Park Hospital in Slough has been approved.
The NHS Frimley Health Foundation Trust, which manages the hospital, aims to modernise its facilities as part of a larger refurbishment project.
Originally, proposals for a new cancer drug centre, known as an aseptic suite, received approval from Slough Borough Council in November last year.
The current aseptic suite at Wexham Park Hospital prepares approximately 750 chemotherapy doses each month.
In 2023, it handled a total of 9004 doses.
However, the building is no longer considered fit for purpose, with many parts needing replacement over time.
The costs of these replacements exceeded £5,000 in the past year.
As a result, a new aseptic suite was deemed a key aspect of the hospital's overall modernisation.
Initial plans for a two-storey 520sqm aseptic suite were paused due to financial and time constraints, prompting the trust to submit a revised application.
The revised plan now aims to construct a smaller aseptic suite near the main hospital building.
This new facility aims to deliver exceptional development that meets urgent clinical care needs, according to the application.
“There is a critical need for the aseptic suite to enable local cancer treatment production capacity and allow the trust to maintain this aspect of its healthcare functions serving the local community,” said the application.
The scaled-down structure will be one storey with a footprint of 331sqm, including specialised spaces like isolation rooms, clean rooms, office spaces, and a seamless connection to the hospital.
Slough Borough Council’s planning officers acknowledged that approving the revised plans effectively means granting permission for two buildings with similar purposes.
However, the planning agent confirmed that the hospital trust has no intention of pursuing the earlier plans due to their high cost.
Before the new suite's construction commences, an outdated office building at the site must be demolished.
To save time and costs, the new aseptic suite will be pre-built off-site and then transported to the hospital.
Aseptic suites depend heavily on a trained workforce capable of adhering to strict regulations, and the application indicated that the new facility would help retain existing jobs and create new ones.
“The proposals present a perfect opportunity to provide the regeneration, environmental enhancement and employment opportunities, but above all it enables the next stage in the life cycle of the trust’s provision to serve its communities and make care accessible for patients,” said the application.
Visit the council's website and enter planning reference number P/06622/096 in the planning portal to view the plans.