Anger over 'threat' to advanced cancer care centre

'Free' facility may be rejected by health chiefs

A PLAN to completely transform cancer care in West Berkshire could be sabotaged by penny-pinching health chiefs, it was claimed this week.

The ambitious project – to create a state-of-the-art, advanced care facility in Newbury – was under starters orders, the capital cost of building was secured and the rest available in pledges and public support.

Work was set to begin this spring.

But, according to information received by this newspaper, the entire dream could be shattered by bosses at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust threatening to pull the plug at the last minute.

One source said: “It’s just bizarre.

“This would be of significant benefit to all of West Berkshire... and the NHS wouldn’t even have to pay for it. It’s supported by the medical staff and would transform local cancer care.

“But at the 11th hour, the rug has been pulled from under all our feet.”

The reason, according to the source, was that, despite being gifted the unit, the foundation trust would not want to be responsible for day-to-day running costs such as electricity bills.

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