Healthcare Improvement Alliance Europe visits Velindre to see progress on new cancer centre
Velindre University NHS Trust was delighted to welcome members of the Healthcare Improvement Alliance Europe (HIAE) for an in-depth visit exploring the development of the new Velindre Cancer Centre (nVCC).
The visit formed part of HIAE’s wider engagement in Wales, hosted by the NHS Wales Executive.
During their time at Velindre on March 25, HIAE delegates met with various members of the Trust and nVCC project team to discuss the evolving landscape of cancer care in Wales and how our new cancer centre will help transform specialist cancer services for future generations.
Delegates received an overview of the nVCC project, its role in supporting high-quality cancer treatment and the challenges currently facing cancer services across Wales. Discussions focused on how the new centre will enhance patient care, support staff wellbeing, and integrate research, innovation, and education to help improve outcomes for our patients across south Wales.
Delegates from HIAE were also given a tour of the nVCC construction site to see the incredible progress being made on the state-of-the-art centre.
At the site, the group was welcomed by representatives from Sacyr, the contractor building our new cancer centre, who provided a brief guided walkthrough along the site. Members of the Trust and Sacyr also showcased the key environmental and community benefits of the project, reinforcing Velindre’s commitment to sustainability and the Well-being of Future Generations Act.
Speaking following the visit, Carl James, Executive Director of Strategic Transformation, Planning & Digital/Deputy Chief Executive at the Trust , said: “We are honoured to have hosted the Healthcare Improvement Alliance Europe and shared our vision for the blood and transplant and oncology services we provide across South East Wales in partnership with our Local Health Boards’.
“We are committed to delivering outstanding care, an excellent patient experience and outcomes that compare favourably with the best elsewhere. Our new Velindre Cancer Centre represents a major step forward in supporting our ambitions as it will provide us with world class facilities and enhance the opportunities for research, innovation and collaboration within Wales and internationally. Our positive discussions with HIAE highlighted the shared commitment across Europe in driving continuous improvement in healthcare and provided us with further opportunities to learn and share.”
The new Velindre Cancer Centre is one of Wales’ most significant healthcare infrastructure projects in decades and is scheduled to open in Spring 2027. Once complete, it will provide state-of-the-art facilities for cancer treatment, research, and patient support, ensuring that Velindre remains at the forefront of specialist cancer care for the 1.5 million people it serves across South Wales.