First dedicated cancer research suite opens in Essex
The new £430,000 pioneering suite at Southend Hospital will help benefit cancer patients in mid and south Essex
A brand new £430,000 pioneering cancer research suite has been opened in an Essex hospital saving patients trialling cutting-edge drugs from travelling to London or Cambridge.
The Helena Woolley research suite will see patients in Mid and South Essex trial new and existing cancer drugs, making "such a difference to Essex cancer patients and their outcomes".
Krishnaswamy Madhavan, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at Southend hospital, says: "The suite will open access to trials previously unavailable at the Trust and is expected to significantly expand local research capacity."
The creation of The Helena Woolley Research Suite, based on Elizabeth Loury ward at Southend Hospital, is the first ever dedicated inpatient cancer research suite at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.
"It now means we can now take part in a wider range of studies, attract income-generating trials and create better access to treatments - particularly for patients who previously couldn’t travel to take part in them" says Mr Madhavan.
The funding for the facility was donated by Helena Woolley of Thundersley, Benfleet when in 2018 she worked with her solicitor and made the decision to leave a significant portion of her estate to Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity.
Surinder Dhillon, Helena Woolley’s solicitor at ANP Solicitors added:
“Helena was determined to leave a significant legacy to a local charity that would benefit the community. This decision was influenced by the care and treatment she received at Southend hospital during her lifetime.
Lucy Thomas-Clayton, Director of Charities and Voluntary Services, at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Helena’s extraordinary gift has helped made this outstanding project, costing almost £430,000, a reality.
"Her vital funding has covered not just the development and redecoration of the new suite, but also its staffing costs and the installation of inpatient beds.
“Her legacy is set to benefit thousands of cancer patients in south Essex for years to come - leaving a lasting impact that reflects her generosity, compassion and belief in the power of research to change lives.”
This research facility supports the Trust’s aim to grow the number of research and development opportunities in cancer.