Plans to relocate the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre to a site adjacent to Watford General Hospital have been debated by Harrow's Health and Wellbeing Board. The proposed move, which is currently undergoing public consultation until March 29, 2026, aims to address significant concerns about the sustainability and safety of delivering high-quality oncology services at the current Northwood site.
A 2019 Independent Clinical Advisory Group report highlighted critical safety issues, stating that Maintaining safety of patients cannot be guaranteed in the near future – status quo is not an option – there is a need for urgent action.
The report detailed that the existing Mount Vernon Cancer Centre lacks essential medical services such as A&E and intensive care, which are crucial for modern cancer treatments. Clinicians have expressed concerns that these limitations restrict the innovative treatments that can be offered and can lead to fragmented care when patients need to be transferred to other hospitals. The report also noted a Need for an inpatient integrated service in order to manage acutely unwell patients (due to unpredictable toxicities of immunotherapies, intensive chemotherapy / radiotherapy regimens and comorbidities).
The lack of co-located services, including intensive care, is identified as a long-term challenge that cannot be resolved on the current site. Furthermore, the centre's inability to provide inpatient integrated care for acutely unwell patients and the potential deskilling of existing nursing staff due to patient transfers were also cited as concerns.
The relocation proposals, which would see the centre run by University College London Hospitals (UCLH), include moving services to a purpose-built facility next to Watford General Hospital. This move is intended to provide better access to acute support and critical care facilities. The proposals also encompass 'care closer to home' initiatives, such as expanding chemotherapy services at Northwick Park Hospital and increasing the chemotherapy at home service.
Three options for the future of the cancer centre are being considered, primarily differing in the proposed location of an additional radiotherapy unit. These options include establishing a unit at either the Lister Hospital in Stevenage or the Luton and Dunstable Hospital in Luton, aiming to reduce long journeys for radiotherapy treatment for patients in the northern parts of the catchment area.
Councillor Jean Lammiman, Portfolio Holder for Adult Services & Public Health, noted the importance of the proposals in ensuring the future of cancer services for the population. The board was asked to consider making a supportive response to the consultation and to advise on further activities to engage Harrow residents in the process.
The consultation is ongoing, with various events and community conversations being held to gather feedback. The feedback received will inform a decision-making business case expected to be complete in July, with a decision to be made in the summer. The report states: Following analysis of the feedback, there may be a workshop to work through suggestions and a decision will then be made with the support of a Decision-Making Business Case this summer.
Public reports pack Thursday 12-Mar-2026 14.00 Health and Wellbeing Board
