A specialist cancer treatment facility is planned for Newport.
Icon Group is committing a multi-million investment to revive the former Rutherford Health premises at Celtic Springs in Coedkernew, transforming it into the Icon Cancer Centre South Wales.
The facility will serve approximately 1.4 million residents throughout South Wales, expanding cancer treatment options for both NHS and private patients in the area.
Mark Middleton, group chief executive at Icon Group, explained that cancer diagnoses continue to climb, making it vital to provide top-quality cancer treatment nearer to where patients live. He noted that Icon has a solid history of making responsible investments across the UK to broaden access to life-saving cancer services, collaborating with local healthcare systems in ways that genuinely benefit communities. Healthcare infrastructure represents a valuable community resource, and the company’s aim is to ensure such important cancer facilities keep serving those who depend on them. This project offers a chance to rebuild essential cancer infrastructure in Newport, delivering sustainable, high-quality care for the community that needs it.
The centre will provide radiotherapy, imaging and consultation services, with the ability to treat more than 500 patients annually.
A workforce of up to 30 specialists covering radiotherapy, radiography, medical physics, oncology nursing, pharmacy and administration will operate the facility.
Dr Penny Kechagioglou, chief medical officer at Icon UK, stated that every patient requires individual attention, so the focus is on delivering carefully coordinated, clinically directed and personalised care. She pointed out that radiotherapy plays a crucial role in cancer treatment yet remains underused throughout the UK. Restoring these services will create greater access for cancer patients who require life-saving therapy. Every person with cancer should receive the appropriate treatment at the right time and as near to home as possible. Reopening this centre will help make that achievable for more individuals.
According to the latest cancer incidence figures, Wales recorded 21,006 new cancer cases in 2022, surpassing the pre-pandemic yearly average of 20,472.
Icon Group is also bringing former Rutherford Health centres in Northumberland and Thames Valley back into operation to extend its UK-wide network of cancer treatment facilities.
This follows Icon’s purchase of Cancer Centre London, which now operates under the name Icon Cancer Centre London.
Further centres are being developed in Brighton, Derbyshire and Warwickshire, while a new facility in Leeds has been proposed as part of a broader healthcare initiative at AMT Headingley Stadium.
The Newport centre will be designed to provide patient-focused treatment using cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence-supported workflows.
These innovations will assist clinicians in planning and delivering more precise radiotherapy, encompassing accelerated treatment planning, enhanced accuracy and, where clinically suitable, reduced treatment sessions.
The service offerings will encompass systemic anti-cancer therapy, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted therapy.