Senior NHS doctors at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre have said the centre “could close” unless it moves to a new purpose-built facility in Watford, as a public consultation is set to end this month.
The cancer centre serves a population of 2 million people from across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, and North London.
Proposals were drafted after an independent review in 2019 found that while clinical teams provide high-quality care, the Mount Vernon site itself won’t be suitable in future for modern cancer treatment as it has no on-site access to intensive care or emergency support.
The review recommended creating a new cancer centre on an acute hospital site where modern facilities are readily available. A public consultation is currently underway closing 29th March 2026.
Mount Vernon Cancer Centre is currently run by East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust from a site in Northwood owned by Hillingdon Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Proposals would see the cancer centre move to a site next to Watford General Hospital and be run by University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH).
In a statement, the NHS doctors said: “As senior consultants at Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, we strongly support the proposal to move the cancer centre to a new, purpose-built facility in Watford, run by UCLH.
“To deliver modern cancer care, patients need access to critical care and specialist medical support on a main hospital site. Without this, some treatments, trials and services simply aren’t possible, and some patients already have to be treated elsewhere.
“Our care is safe and high quality, but staying where we are is not sustainable in the long term. Without moving, there is a real risk the cancer centre could eventually close, meaning patients would have to travel even further for treatment.
“Staff at Mount Vernon are very keen to move to the new centre. A state-of-the-art facility at Watford, with direct access to hospital services and the expertise and research capability of UCLH, offers the best future for patients and staff.
“We know Watford won’t be convenient for everyone, and it’s important the new centre includes what patients value most — such as green spaces and affordable parking. But in our view, this move is essential to protect and improve cancer care for the future.”
Patients, staff, stakeholders and the public are invited to share their views on the proposals either online or in person. For more information, visit www.mvccreview.nhs.uk
