University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) has launched the first community-based clinic to provide cancer treatment closer to home.

The clinic, developed with West Midlands Cancer Alliance, provides systemic anti-cancer therapy (SACT) and other specialist infusion services in a community setting, helping to ease pressure on hospital services while improving the patient experience.

The clinic is available for eligible patients at Audley Health Centre in Stoke-on-Trent, enabling them to receive treatment in a more convenient, local setting, while reducing the need for travel to hospital and supporting personalised care pathways. 

Carol Myatt, 72, from Maybank (pictured), was diagnosed with skin cancer in 2024 and now receives treatment at the clinic. She said: “I absolutely love coming here. I was apprehensive to begin with but the first time I came here I was greeted with a smile and the nurses that work here and look after you are fantastic. 

“I am in and out so fast and its very efficient. I would tell anyone else if they have the opportunity to come the Audley clinic for treatment to definitely do it, it works really well.”
 
Gemma Healy, Matron for Haematology, Oncology, Immunology at UHNM, said: “This new service is a really positive development for our patients. Receiving treatment locally can make a huge difference, particularly for those undergoing therapy who have to travel to UHNM on a regular basis.  
 
“It is important that we are making these steps to offer our patients cancer care in a more accessible, convenient way while also reducing pressure on hospital services.”

Sarah Hughes, Managing Director of West Midlands Cancer Alliance, added: “We are delighted that Audley Health Centre is now home to this innovative community cancer hub.

"The National Cancer Plan for England made it clear that care and treatment should be delivered in the community wherever it is safe to do so and the launch of the Audley facility is therefore an important step for us. Centres like this will complement hospital treatment and can help make life better for people dealing with cancer.”
 
Patients who receive care at the clinic remain under the care of UHNM, while Pharmaxo Healthcare provides experienced nurses and supports the delivery of treatment.
 

WMCA Programme Manager Kay Patel has been involved in the establishment of the service.

Kay said: “There is the potential for other trusts in the West Midlands to establish similar hubs if they can develop a business case. We’re delighted Audley is up-and-running and we will continue to monitor it’s progress closely and enthusiastically.”

Matron Gemma Healey and Kay Patel of WMCA are pictured below