Work has begun on what will be the UK’s first high beam proton beam therapy cancer treatment centre – at Celtic Springs Business Park in Newport, South Wales.
Edwina Hart, the Minister for Economy, Science and Transport for the Welsh Government, visited the site to mark the beginning of the renovation of a former clinic to create the centre – which is expected to be operational by 2017. Proton Partners also plans building centres in Northumberland and London, each able to treat up to 700 patients annually. The investment by Proton Partners International – headquartered in Wales – was supported by the Wales Life Science Investment Fund established by the Welsh Government, and managed by Arthurian Life Sciences.
Mike Moran, chief executive, Proton Partners International (pictured with Edwina Hart), said: “Our centres will offer proton beam therapy, imaging, radiotherapy and chemotherapy – delivering a fully comprehensive level of cancer care tailored to fit the different needs of each patient. Later this year our Newport centre will be able to start treating patients with traditional radiotherapy, with proton beam therapy becoming available in 2017.” To symbolise the links between sport and wellbeing, a sculpture of Olympic double gold medallist, Dame Kelly Holmes, was unveiled, and the ITF Wales Taekwon-Do team was in attendance.
