30,000 sign petition to protect cancer beds at PRUH as concern grows over proposed changes
Haematology patient Matthew Venner shares his experiences at PRUH and King’s in a powerful open letter published in this week’s News Shopper.
Over 30,000 people have now signed a petition calling for the protection of inpatient cancer beds at Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH), highlighting growing concern from patients and local residents over NHS proposals to move the Chartwell Inpatient Unit to King’s College Hospital.
Since King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust announced its initial proposals, the Chartwell Cancer Trust has come to know Matthew Venner, a haematology patient treated at both PRUH and King’s. We invited him to share his experiences, and in this week’s News Shopper, Matthew has written a powerful open letter about what local inpatient cancer care means to him and his family.
In the article, Matthew describes the exceptional care he receives from the Chartwell team and explains why having a local ward close to home makes such a difference during treatment.
“For patients like me, the Chartwell wards are a lifeline.”
Read Matthew’s full article here (page 12 – Bexley and Bromley edition):
www.newsshopper.co.uk/publications
This is a crucial moment for the community to ensure its voice is heard. The Chartwell Cancer Trust will continue to gather patient testimony, maintain the community petition, and engage with local scrutiny bodies and elected representatives as part of the ongoing NHS engagement period, which closes on Monday 16 March 2026.
To sign the petition to protect inpatient cancer beds at PRUH:
https://chng.it/LScTZjXfFW
To share your views via email:
info@chartwellcancertrust.co.uk