The Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust is marking a successful year of construction at its Combe Park site. The new Dyson Cancer Centre is progressing well and remains on schedule to open to patients in autumn 2023.

As we head into the new year the RUH has shared a behind the scenes update, showing the huge amount of work going on behind the hoardings to finish the interior structure. You can watch the video on the RUH’s Youtube channel.

With over nine hundred people working on the buildingsite during the year and many more joining in the coming months, construction partner Kier is working with the RUH to ensure that the complex project remains on track.

Libby Walters, RUH Deputy Chief Executive and senior responsible officer for the project, said: “It’s very exciting to kick off 2023 knowing that this is the year the Dyson Cancer Centre will welcome patients and their loved ones.”

“We’ve spoken a lot about the special design and construction of the centre, and the wonderful art and interior design, but of course it’s our staff who will make the biggest difference. The new building will support them to deliver the very best care, in the best environment.”

“This incredible structure will house our oncology, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and research teams, our William Budd inpatient team and our nuclear medicine and physics teams as well as a team to support the dedicated on-site pharmacy. We’re looking forward to bringing everyone under one roof and making the most of new ways of working.” The next project milestone to look forward to will be this summer, when the finished building is handed over to the RUH, ready for fitting out.”

With much of the scaffolding around the Dyson Cancer Centre now removed, the three-storey glass atrium that will provide the main entrance to the building is now clearly visible. This area will also house the Macmillan Wellbeing Hub, funded by Macmillan Cancer Support. The hub will provide a non-clinical, calming space where patients, families and carers can receive practical and emotional support.

The Dyson Cancer Centre is funded in part by a £4m donation from The James Dyson Foundation to create a cancer services hub for half a million people in the South West of England. A further £1m was donated by the Medlock Charitable Trust and millions were also raised by RUHX, the official charity of the Trust, (formerly known as The Forever Friends Appeal), thanks to the kindness and compassion of thousands of supporters. The remainder of the funding for the Dyson Cancer Centre has been provided by the government. To find out more about the new centre and keep up to date on the latest progress visit our website: www.ruh.nhs.uk/dysoncancercentre.