The future of cancer care in Sussex is looking brighter, with planning permission granted for a major development at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton.
The approval paves the way for construction of a state-of-the-art, five-storey new Sussex Cancer Centre that will significantly expand existing services for the growing number of people affected by cancer in Sussex.
Chief executive of University Hospitals Sussex, Dr George Findlay, said: “We are absolutely delighted that planning permission has been granted for the new Sussex Cancer Centre. I want to thank our capital development colleagues and dedicated cancer team whose tireless work and commitment have brought us to this point. Our new centre will become regional centre of excellence for cancer care and make an incredible difference to patients Sussex.”
Dr Sarah Westwell, consultant clinical oncologist and chief of cancer services at University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is truly momentous news for our patients, their families, and all the dedicated staff who work tirelessly to provide the best possible care.
“With the sobering statistic that 1 in 2 people are now expected to face a cancer diagnosis in our lifetime, this development is essential to enable us to deliver excellent care everytime for the growing numbers of patients requiring our care.
“Our new Sussex Cancer Centre will expand current capacity for cancer care three-fold, reduce waiting times for patients and provide a more compassionate, healing, and research-driven environment for all those affected by cancer.”
The design provides significantly more treatments in outpatient settings, an increase in the number of inpatient beds (all in single en-suite rooms), and provision of a new and dedicated acute cancer assessment unit which means many cancer patients will be able to be cared for as an outpatient by their specialist team rather than attending the main A&E department.
It will also act as a specialist tertiary hub for Sussex, supporting the development of further specialist services and enabling care closer to home through a hub and spoke model with the Trust’s other hospitals and services provided by partners.
A core principle of the building’s design is the creation of a healing environment that supports the emotional and psychological wellbeing of patients.
Dr Anna Olsson-Brown, consultant medical oncologist and clinical director of clinical cancer care, said: “We know that a cancer diagnosis impacts every aspect of a person’s life. It’s not just about treating the disease; it’s about supporting the whole person.
“That’s why the design of this centre is so crucial. We’ve focused on creating spaces filled with natural light, with views of the sea and green areas, and with access to peaceful gardens and terraces whilst optimising the delivery of treatment.”
“These elements aren’t luxuries; they’re fundamental to the healing process. They reduce stress, promote a sense of calm, and empower patients to feel more in control. This centre will be a place of hope, a place of sanctuary, and a place that truly supports wellbeing.”
The planning approval also heralds an exciting new chapter for cancer research and innovation in the region, with the centre acting as a hub for the new Sussex Cancer Research Centre partnership.
Co-founder of the partnership and consultant clinical oncologist Dr Duncan Gilbert added: “This development isn’t just about treating today’s cancers; it’s about shaping the future of cancer care. By creating a state-of-the-art research environment, we can unlock significant life-sciences opportunities, attracting talented researchers and enabling more patients to participate in cutting-edge clinical trials, right here in Sussex.
“This collaborative approach, mirroring the success of leading institutions, will help accelerate the development of new therapies, improve diagnostic tools, and ultimately enhance survival rates for our community.”
The planning approval has also been welcomed by local stakeholders. Healthwatch Brighton & Hove chief executive Alan Boyd said: “This is fantastic news for patients and Healthwatch welcomes this further development of the Royal Sussex County Hospital.
“We’ve already seen the benefits of the Louisa Martindale building, which was praised in our independent review, and this new centre promises even greater improvements.
“We will continue to work closely with the Trust to ensure patients’ voices shape this vital new centre.”
Development of the new Sussex Cancer Centre has been designated to Wave 1 of the national New Hospitals Programme and is being delivered in partnership with industry specialists Laing O’Rourke, McBains and BDP.
Following approval of the Trust’s full business case, construction is expected to begin in 2026, with the new centre scheduled to open for patients in 2029.
