New Velindre Cancer Centre reaches major milestone as access for our digital team begins

The new Velindre Cancer Centre project has reached a major milestone with the Trust gaining access to the first areas of our new home.

The Trust digital team has now received a phased access to key areas within the building ahead of our scheduled opening in spring 2027.

The nVCC is designed to grow and adapt and the improved digital infrastructure is also a cornerstone of our futureproofing strategy. With standardised, flexible clinical spaces, modern infrastructure, and greener energy use, the nVCC will meet the changing needs of cancer care and deliver long-term value for our patients, staff and the NHS.

nVCC Project Director David Powell said: "Access for our digital team is a significant milestone for our new Velindre Cancer Centre project. It marks the point where the building begins to move from a construction project to a state-of-the-art operational healthcare facility.

"This phased handover process allows us to start preparing the centre for the services and technology that will support our patients and staff from day one. Every stage of access brings us closer to opening a world-class cancer centre."

Ian Taylor, Head of Digital Infrastructure Design, said: "The digital infrastructure now being installed during this access period will form the backbone of our new cancer centre. Establishing a secure, resilient and high-performing network is essential before we can begin commissioning of the systems that staff and patients will rely on every day.

"Over the coming weeks, our teams and partners will be configuring and testing the network infrastructure, ensuring it is robust, resilient and ready to support a wide range of digital services across the building. The work taking place now is creating the foundations for a modern healthcare environment that can evolve alongside advances in cancer care."

The centre is fully Wi-Fi enabled with digital signage, digital check-in, digital parking, and plans for a patient entertainment system that includes menu ordering and access to care information. 

During this period, access will initially be limited to designated IT rooms, which will be handed over to the Trust on a phased basis as they become available.

The first phase of work will focus on the nVCC's two data centres, where teams will build the network core and firewall infrastructure that will support all the extensive digital services within the facility.

Teams will start carrying out testing to make sure the network is secure, resilient and performing as expected. This will include testing power supplies, data connectivity and system configurations.

By the end of the access period, we will have the platform in place providing the foundations on which clinical, corporate and operational services can be layered.

As further areas of the building are handed over, teams will install wireless access points, connect equipment and implement any necessary configuration changes to support future operational requirements.

This has been a collaborative process across the Trust – and thanks to our estates, health and safety and fire safety teams for ensuring our staff and contractors are safe and supported as they carry out this crucial stage.

The nVCC is being completed and handed over in phases. Each phase must meet defined standards and quality requirements before progressing to the next stage. This approach ensures that all infrastructure, systems and environments are ready for the activities that follow, helping to support a safe and successful transition into the new facility.

This access for our digital team is a major step forward for the nVCC project and brings us another step closer to delivering a world-class cancer centre for patients, staff and communities across Wales.