The NHS has launched a public consultation over whether to move specialist cancer treatment from south to central London.
Cancer services for children aged 15 and under are currently provided by the Royal Marsden centre in Sutton and St George’s Hospital in Tooting.
Both facilities treat around 1,400 children at any given time, including patients from Brighton, East Sussex and Kent.
Under new national guidelines, specialist cancer treatment must be provided on the same site as a Level 3 children’s intensive care unit, which the Royal Marsden currently does not have.
The NHS has proposed that services move to St George’s entirely or the Evelina Children’s Hospital in Lambeth.
Dr Chris Streather, Medical Director at NHS England said: “The Royal Marsden has an impressive track record of delivering high quality care for children but the pace of innovation in children’s cancer treatment means that, to be fit for the future, the centre must move to be with intensive care.
“We have two strong options for the future location of the Centre and want to get feedback from children, families and staff throughout this consultation.”
Both options in the consultation also propose that children’s conventional radiotherapy move from The Royal Marsden to University College Hospital in central London.
Ashley Ball-Gamble, Chief Executive of children’s cancer charity, Children’s Cancer and Leukemia Group, said: “Having a child with cancer brings worry and upheaval for the whole family, and it is important we do all that we can to make their experience of cancer care as smooth as possible.
“Whichever location is chosen, the changes proposed will provide all services that a Principal Treatment Centre must have on site in one location, resulting in more seamless care for children and a high-quality experience for their families.”
The public consultation launched on Tuesday and is open for 12 weeks.
Services are not expected to move before 2026.
Cancer care for patients aged 16 and above will continue to be delivered at the Royal Marsden.
