Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in East Grinstead welcomes publication of the National Cancer Plan

Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in East Grinstead has welcomed the publication of the National Cancer Plan for England, describing it as closely aligned with the work the trust already delivers for patients across the South East.

The National Cancer Plan sets out a long-term vision to improve cancer survival rates, speed up diagnosis and ensure people receive more personalised support during and after treatment. The trust says the plan reflects its long-established role as a regional specialist centre for skin, head and neck and breast cancer, supporting patients across Sussex, Surrey, Kent and the wider region.

So far this financial year, the trust has seen an increase of more than 15 per cent in urgent suspected cancer referrals. Much of that rise has been driven by an increase in skin cancer cases, which are up by nearly 16 per cent. The continued growth highlights the importance of accessible specialist services and the need for faster and more reliable diagnostic capacity.

Queen Victoria Hospital says it is working closely with partners including the Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance and the Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance to strengthen cancer pathways. The aim is to support quicker diagnostic decision-making and ensure patients are seen promptly by specialist teams.

A major step forward is expected with the opening of the trust’s dedicated Community Diagnostic Centre building, due by summer 2026. The new facility will increase the number of tests and scans available to local people, helping to speed up referrals and enable earlier diagnosis. The trust says this directly supports the National Cancer Plan’s ambition to expand diagnostic services and modernise cancer pathways.

The plan also places strong emphasis on personalised care. At Queen Victoria Hospital, that support is provided by specialist cancer nurses, therapists and the QVH Macmillan Cancer Support and Information Centre, which offers emotional support, practical guidance and information for patients and families throughout their cancer journey.

Commenting on the National Cancer Plan for England, Abigail Jago, Acting Chief Executive at Queen Victoria Hospital, said: “The National Cancer Plan speaks directly to what our patients tell us they value most: being diagnosed quickly, receiving innovative and effective treatment, and having the right support to live well with and beyond cancer. We continue to see growing numbers of people with skin, head and neck and breast cancer needing our expertise throughout their journey and know how important cancer services are.

“We welcome the National Cancer Plan’s ambition and look forward to continuing our close partnership with the Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance, Kent and Medway Cancer Alliance, and our system colleagues to bring its commitments to life for the communities we support.”

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