Cancer treatment centre opens in Frome

A new cancer treatment centre has opened in Frome, enabling patients to receive vital treatments closer to home.

The new Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment (SACT) Centre, based at Frome Medical Centre, officially opened on Thursday 22nd January.

A fundraising campaign from the Bath Cancer Support Unit Group raised £64,000, supported by a grant from The Richard Oatley Foundation and donations from the Frome Rotary Shop, run by the three Rotary Clubs in Frome together with Frome Inner Wheel. Additional support came from individual donors, including collections at Frome Sainsbury’s.

The SACT Centre will serve patients undergoing treatment at the Royal United Hospital (RUH), Bath, who live within the Frome catchment area.

Frome branch of the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group said, “This project would not be possible without the generosity, dedication, and community spirit of our funders and supporters. Together, we are making a meaningful difference, bringing essential cancer treatment closer to home and improving the experience of patients across Frome and the surrounding area.”

The group added, “We would like to recognise the invaluable support of The Rotary Clubs of Frome, Frome Town and The Rotary Club of Frome Selwood, together with Inner Wheel. Their kindness and generosity have helped to support many important local causes, and we are sincerely grateful for everything they do.”

Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment is a specialised form of therapy that uses medicines to work throughout the body to control or destroy cancer.

Treatments available at the new centre will include immunotherapy, targeted therapies and hormonal therapies. It will be run and staffed by the RUH, ensuring the same clinical standards and expert care as the main hospital site.

Patients will be cared for in a comfortable and supportive environment by highly trained staff, with access to expert monitoring and support throughout their treatment journey.

The Bath Cancer Unit Support Group is a small, local charity run entirely by volunteers. It supports cancer services at the Royal United Hospital, Bath by raising funds for vital equipment, enhanced facilities and services that fall outside NHS funding.

For further information, contact David Lane, Frome branch chairman of the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group, at web@bcusg.org or visit www.bcusg.org/frome.