Southend hospital’s first dedicated cancer research suite becomes a reality thanks to a generous legacy gift
A brand new £430,000 pioneering cancer research suite will help benefit cancer patients in mid and south Essex for decades to come.
It’s all thanks to a generous legacy left by Helena Woolley of Thundersley, Benfleet when in 2018 she worked with her solicitor and made the decision to leave a significant portion of her estate to Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity.
The creation of The Helena Woolley Research Suite, based on Elizabeth Loury ward at Southend Hospital, is the first ever dedicated inpatient cancer research suite at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.
Krishnaswamy Madhavan, Consultant Clinical Oncologist at Southend Hospital, part of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, explained why the opening of this new suite, which will see patients trial new and existing cancer drugs, will make such a difference to Essex cancer patients and their outcomes.
He said: “This exciting new research suite will allow patients to take part in cutting-edge drug and treatment trials without having to travel to London or Cambridge. The suite will open access to trials previously unavailable at the Trust and is expected to significantly expand local research capacity. Helena’s legacy isn’t just this suite but the lives she will help prolong or save.
“Previously there were no dedicated overnight research beds across the Trust, limiting the ability to conduct more complex, late-phase or commercial trials. It now means we can now take part in a wider range of studies, attract income-generating trials and create better access to treatments – particularly for patients who previously couldn’t travel to take part in them.”
Lucy Thomas-Clayton, Director of Charities and Voluntary Services, at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Helena’s extraordinary gift has helped made this outstanding project, costing almost £430,000, a reality. Her vital funding has covered not just the development and redecoration of the new suite, but also its staffing costs and the installation of inpatient beds.
“Her legacy is set to benefit thousands of cancer patients in south Essex for years to come – leaving a lasting impact that reflects her generosity, compassion and belief in the power of research to change lives.”
Surinder Dhillon, Helena Wooley’s solicitor at ANP Solicitors added:
“Helena was determined to leave a significant legacy to a local charity that would benefit the community. After considering several local charities, she ultimately chose to leave a generous bequest to Southend Hospital. This decision was influenced by the care and treatment she received there during her lifetime.
“Although we are deeply saddened by Helena’s passing, we find comfort in knowing that her generosity has enabled Southend Hospital to establish a dedicated suite in her memory.”
This research facility supports the Trust’s aim to grow the number of research and development opportunities in cancer.