Work begins on £35m proton beam therapy centre
The turf cutting event for a £35m cancer treatment centre in Liverpool – to be known as The Rutherford Cancer Centre North West – has taken place at the Knowledge Quarter (KQ) in Paddington Village.
The Rutherford Cancer Centre North West will bring the most advanced treatments in cancer care to Liverpool and the region, including high energy proton beam therapy as well as latest technology to deliver radiotherapy, chemotherapy, imaging and diagnostics.
Conventional cancer treatments will be available from 2018 and high energy proton beam therapy will be available from 2019. The centre will treat up to 500 patients a year and treatment will be available to medically-insured private patients, self-paying patients and patients referred by the NHS.
Mike Moran, chief executive officer of Proton Partners International, said: “As someone born, raised and schooled in Liverpool, I’m genuinely thrilled Proton Partners International will be part of this exciting new chapter in the city’s history, which will put the whole region at the vanguard of innovative cancer treatment.
“There is a growing need for proton beam therapy treatment around the world, as it has been shown to deliver significant results for patients. Its effectiveness at lowering side effects compared with traditional radiation treatment, is transforming the lives of many thousands of cancer patients. The Rutherford Cancer Centre North West will be equipped with the best technology available.”
Joe Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool, said: “This marks an important phase for Paddington Village and sets the tone for what will be a very busy year for this Mayoral Development Zone. Tenants such as Proton Partners underlines how much this site is attracting interest in the life sciences sector and once complete will further cement Liverpool’s reputation as a world-leading innovation district.”
Colin Sinclair, chief executive of KQ Liverpool, said: “We are delighted that Proton Partners International have chosen Liverpool ahead of other UK locations and that this state-of the art- facility will be available to the people of the North West. It is also further proof that the city region’s offering in health, science and tech truly is world-class.”
Anthony Hollander, pro-vice-chancellor for research and impact, University of Liverpool, said: “We welcome Proton Partners International to Liverpool and look forward to building our relationship in key areas of interest from oncology to personalised health and healthcare technologies.”
