All about the Children's Cancer Centre

Around 400 children in the UK are diagnosed with a brain tumour each year, making this the most common type of childhood cancer. Despite improvements in survival for some paediatric brain tumours, outcomes for particular sub-types- such as high-grade gliomas- have not improved for decades. This has led clinicians and researchers, including myself, to ask: what else can we do to overcome the inherent challenges of treating brain tumours?

Exciting approaches to overcoming the challenge of the blood-brain barrier are now being developed, for example groups in the USA and France are exploring different techniques to deliver treatment more effectively into the brain. I am also pursuing research in this area, and I have a great deal of hope that these strategies will begin to make a real difference.

I am also very hopeful that the new Children’s Cancer Centre will further support the multi-profession research that is essential for the development of treatments for brain tumours. With integrated imaging, theatres, and critical care support, and a much improved environment for children and families, it will make it easier to develop and deliver translational, image‑guided, precision therapies needed to improve outcomes for children.

Being involved in the design of the new Children’s Cancer Centre has been incredibly exciting for us as clinicians. It’s given us the chance to build activity and movement into the very fabric of the building, making it easier for children and young people to stay active throughout their treatment.

We know how vital physical activity is for all children, but especially for those undergoing cancer treatment. Keeping moving can help to counter some of the toughest side effects, and even small moments of activity can make a real difference to how a child feels.

The new centre will include beautiful balconies, as well as a roof garden that children from across GOSH will be able to enjoy. Having these uplifting spaces right on the ward will give families more opportunities to get fresh air, spend time outside and be active.

We have a dedicated therapy gym on one of the wards which will mean many more children will be able to access the support they need, when they need it. It’s going to make an enormous difference.

Having a baby that needs specialised neonatal care can be a very challenging and naturally worrying time for families. Every baby who is admitted is part of a family and they are vital to supporting their baby’ while on the neonatal unit. It is important that families are made to feel welcome, included, emotionally supported, and empowered to take an active part in their baby’s care. The additional space that the CCC provides us will make this easier to do.

Connected to the existing level 4 critical care wards, the additional space in the CCC means we will have two parent bedrooms and eight more critical care beds. We are also able to improve staff facilities ensuring that staff can take a break nearby.

The CCC means we can extend our theatres and imaging floors. Both connect into new spaces in the CCC supporting improvements in patient flows and pathways. On level 3, there will be two additional theatres and an iMRI theatre. On level 1, the imaging floor will connect into the existing services in the Variety Club and Premier Inn Clinical Buildings. This will make it more straightforward and easier to get to the department and to move around it once you have arrived. We will be upgrading and modernising our imaging machines so we have the very latest innovative technology.

Alongside the clinical services, the new building gives us the opportunity to create a new location for our hospital school. Based on the ground floor, the school will be highly visible, ensuring that children and parents know that education will be part of everyday life while they stay at hospital. The school includes a performance space and dedicated areas for children according to their age and key stage. There are also treatment rooms so instead of having to return to their wards, children can receive treatment easily while at school.

Outside space is a key part of the design. An accessible roof terrace will mean children and their families can play and relax whilst enjoying some time outdoors. There are also plans for an Enchanted Forest area with immersive activities to encourage imagination, play and exploration, and a Secret Garden for rest and contemplation. Balconies will also provide much-needed breakout space for staff and families.