Work Progresses on Paediatric Oncology Improvements
Work is progressing well on a major programme of improvements to the Paediatric Oncology Department at the Royal United Hospital, Bath. New treatment spaces and modern facilities are being created to improve capacity, patient comfort and the working environment for staff.
Supporting Paediatric cancer services at the Royal United Hospital Bath
July 2026 Update
Further updates are below
Three new treatment spaces
Work is progressing well on a programme of improvements to the Paediatric Oncology Department at the Royal United Hospital (RUH) Bath, with several areas already taking shape and new facilities being created to improve the experience for patients and staff.
Over the past few weeks, significant progress has been made across a number of areas within the department.
New partition walls have now been installed, creating two additional day-case treatment spaces. These new spaces will increase the ward’s capacity and provide a more comfortable environment for patients receiving treatment.
Electrical and mechanical services are currently being installed, alongside new Whiterock wall protection designed to provide a durable and hygienic finish.
The next stage will see the areas plastered and decorated, with additional ventilation also being installed. The waiting area remains on track to be handed back to the ward in late August.
Further improvements to treatment facilities
Another room within the department has also undergone a significant transformation. A new partition wall has been installed and decorated, with new wall protection and IPS units fitted.
The room has been newly floored and finished, and specialist medical cabinetry has now been installed.
The room is currently on track to be handed back to the ward in mid-August, providing an improved space for patients and the clinical team.
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New medication dispensing space
Work has also begun on another important area of the department. The room was completely stripped out during the week commencing 3 August, ahead of a full renovation. The refurbishment will include new specialist medical cabinetry, Whiterock wall cladding and new wall-mounted computer workstations throughout the room.
Once completed, the area will provide a modern and purpose-designed medication dispensing space, supporting staff in the safe and efficient delivery of patient care.
A more welcoming Paediatric Oncology reception
Further improvements are also planned for the Paediatric Oncology Reception Area, with work scheduled to begin in mid-August. The existing wall will be removed to create a more open and welcoming reception space. This will improve visibility and help create better patient flow between the reception area and corridor.
Before construction begins, the project team is assessing the services currently contained within the wall and developing plans to safely reroute them. These changes will help create a more accessible and patient-friendly arrival experience for everyone attending the Oncology Department.
All the staff delighted with the progress being made with the improvement works in the paediatric unit of the Royal United Hospital. We are now able to clearly visualise the the new spaces becoming available and the staff in these areas are very pleased with the evolving results and actively planning how to maximise efficiency of work flow and improved patient experience.
We have already been able to swap around the outpatient reception desk with the nurses work station with very obvious improvements to patient flow and ease of working for all staff. We are extremely grateful for the continued support from BCSUG and for all the myriad fundraising efforts of the supporters. We hope to welcome some of you to view the upgraded areas in the very near future. (Dr Polly Bates -Associate specialist in Paediatric Oncology – Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust)
August 2026 Update
Paediatric Scheme Project Update
Most of the remaining project expenditure is expected to be invoiced during September and October. To date, the main costs incurred relate to equipment, professional fees and construction works.
The accompanying cashflow forecast provides further detail on project expenditure and the anticipated timing of future payments.
Over the next four weeks, the project team will focus on bringing the development to completion. Key activities will include:
- Completing all remaining construction and refurbishment works.
- Undertaking commissioning, testing and final snagging activities.
- Achieving practical completion and formally handing over the facility to the end user.
- Finalising all outstanding project documentation and completing the project close-out process.
The focus over the coming weeks will be on ensuring that all remaining works are completed to the required standard, allowing the facility to be successfully completed, handed over and ready for use.
September 2026
Paediatric Scheme Project Update
Good progress has been made across the Paediatric refurbishment programme during September, with a number of areas now complete or approaching handover. The remaining works are focused on final installations, commissioning, cleaning and snagging.
Outpatients Waiting Room I
Works to the waiting room are now complete, with the ceiling reinstated and new latex flooring being installed to match the wider Paediatric Department.
Outpatients Waiting Room II
Delays to the installation of the nurse call system unfortunately impacted the planned handover. The nurse call system has now been installed and fully commissioned.
Following completion of the clinical clean, handover is planned for Monday 14 September.
Outpatients Sister’s Office
The bespoke countertop has now been installed and completed. All electrical works and decoration have also been completed.
Outpatients Prep Room
Completion of the Prep Room has been delayed due to the installation of the fire damper. Components are currently being fitted, with firestopping works to follow before the ceiling can be reinstated.
Cleaning and handover are anticipated during the week commencing 14 September.
Oncology Clean Utility
Progress was previously impacted by ventilation constraints. New ceiling units have now been installed, with ductwork successfully rerouted around a structural pillar.
The electrical and mechanical systems have been commissioned and the ceilings reinstated. Final cleaning and installation of the fridge will follow as the works conclude.
Reoccupation is planned for the week commencing 14 September.
Oncology Reception Area
The reception wall has been lowered to desk height, creating a more open and welcoming patient-facing space. The bespoke countertop has been installed, with only final finishing works outstanding.
Staff have now successfully reoccupied the area.
Overall Progress
The refurbishment programme continues to make good progress, with several areas now complete and others moving through the final stages of commissioning, cleaning and handover. The focus over the coming weeks will be on completing the remaining works and returning the outstanding areas to clinical use.
Bath Cancer Unit Support Group
The work being carried out at the Paediatric Oncology Department is helping to create better facilities and a more comfortable environment for Paediatric patients and staff. We are proud to support cancer services at the Royal United Hospital, Bath, by funding vital equipment, enhanced facilities and essential services that fall outside NHS funding.
Your donation can help us continue this work. Whether you make a one-off donation or choose to support us regularly, every contribution makes a difference to local cancer patients and their families.
There are several ways you can support Bath Cancer Unit Support Group, including donating online by debit or credit card, PayPal or Direct Debit. You can also support us by organising your own fundraising event, taking part in one of our events, or making a donation through a local collection.
Want to find out more?
Fundraising Lead – Alan Webb
📞 07896 741 233
✉️ fundraising@bcusg.org