Patient and Carer Feedback

Harefield

Many people were surprised Harefield would be considered and concerned about whether it sufficiently met the clinical criteria. If it did, it was thought to be a good option as closest to the current site.

Upon testing this feedback, it was also pointed out that the site had ample space and was a much greener site than the other options, something that had been raised as important in the face to face workshops in 2019.

Hillingdon

Hillingdon was generally not a popular consideration. There were no strong views in support of the site and there were strong opinions from some NWL participants that the site should not host the MVCC. Concerns about Hillingdon included its CQC rating and reputation, history as landlord, current priorities and parking.

Upon testing the feedback, the first group felt that the reasons why people felt Hillingdon was not suitable had not been fully reflected. There were particular concerns the landlord history and reputation were not strongly enough articulated. However, the second group had mixed views about the significance of the CQC rating and reputation, but were concerned about whether there would be the space for the centre to grow in future. In the other groups, access was emphasised with Harrow and Brent residents in particular considering Hillingdon more difficult to get to than most other options. Parking at Hillingdon was a concern for all groups.

Luton

Views on Luton were mixed, with some thinking Luton was too far. It was felt that if the service moved to Luton, some patients around the Brent and Ealing area might prefer to attend a London service. There was concern that whilst a Luton option could potentially improve cancer outcomes in Luton, it could reverse them elsewhere.

Many participants (including from areas such as Harrow in North West London) thought it was a central location, and would be accessible, so was an acceptable option to consider.

However, there was concern from some that it was no easier to access than the current site, particularly by public transport. Parking was also a concern for the site.

Testing this feedback confirmed these views.

Northwick Park

Northwick Park was more positively favoured than Hillingdon, potentially because of the larger proportion of Harrow residents participating in the events.

There were mixed views about access to Northwick Park from outside NWL, with some feeling that train access from some parts of the East of England was good, although acknowledging driving access was poor. Harrow residents generally acknowledged that Northwick Park would be a poor choice for people in East and North Hertfordshire, and that the centre has to be more central for patients.

The main concerns around Northwick Park centred on space, parking and access from some areas.

Upon testing the feedback, participants generally felt that this summary accurately reflected what had been said about Northwick Park. However, there were again concerns from the first group that the disadvantages people raised about Northwick Park were not fully reflected.

Watford

Watford was considered to be a good option by most, or the best compromise by others. Even those London participants who were opposed to considering Luton accepted that Watford would be acceptable, largely because it is accessible on the London train network.

Many NWL patients said there were good transport links to Watford, and those who drove didn’t think it would be difficult as long as there was parking.

Watford is accessible by public transport from most of the area. However, public transport across East to West Hertfordshire was noted as being poor, and as such Watford did not offer a significant improvement to travel to patients from East and North Hertfordshire.

Hillingdon, Harrow, Brent and East of England residents all confirmed Watford would be an acceptable option. However, there were concerns from participants from all areas about match day traffic given the proximity to the football ground, and parking.

Upon testing, these views were confirmed.