KCH decision on inpatient haematology care at PRUH – statement from Michael Douglas
Dear Supporters,
It has been some months now since KCH confirmed its final decisions around the future of inpatient care for haematology cancer patients at PRUH.
Under the new arrangements set out in July, the dedicated inpatient haematology ward in Chartwell Unit will close. Patients who need specialist inpatient haematology care will no longer be admitted locally at the PRUH but will instead be treated at King’s College Hospital in Denmark Hill. KCH plans to establish a Haematology Day Unit at the PRUH in its place, providing planned, urgent, and emergency day-case care.
As many of you will know, The Chartwell Cancer Trust has strongly opposed the removal of inpatient haematology provision from Chartwell Ward. Over the past year, we have raised serious concerns about the impact of this change on local patients, particularly those who are elderly, vulnerable, immunocompromised, or reliant on family support close to home. More than 34,000 people signed the petition, and hundreds of patients, families and local residents shared their concerns with us.
This outcome is a source of great disappointment to us, and to the local community that has stood so firmly with us over the past 12 months. We are not satisfied that the new model adequately addresses concerns around access, safety, and continuity of care, and we believe it removes a vital local service that our community needs and relies on.
Following the KCH announcement, we have continued to press for answers and proper scrutiny. Local MPs and councillors have been actively raising concerns with Matthew Trainer, the new Chief Executive of KCH, including questions about patient safety, capacity, the new Denmark Hill bed arrangements, the Day Unit, transport, and how the transition will be managed.
Last month, Bromley’s Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee held a further meeting with KCH on the proposed new model. We worked closely with councillors to ensure detailed scrutiny questions were put to the Trust. At the meeting, KCH confirmed that inpatient activity is now expected to transfer from PRUH to Denmark Hill over the weekend of 24–25 October 2026, subject to ward works and safety assurances. They also confirmed that the full Standard Operating Procedure is still being developed, and that the new Chartwell Haematology Day Unit will initially operate Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, with six clinical treatment spaces. Minutes from the meeting can be viewed here https://cds.bromley.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=445&MId=8473&Ver=4
We will continue to press for clear safeguards, transparent monitoring and proper support for patients and families as these changes are implemented.
Alongside our continued advocacy, we are now focusing on ensuring that the patients affected by the change are fully supported. We are currently developing a free transport service for haematology patients who may struggle to travel to Denmark Hill, or to appointments connected with the new Haematology Day Unit at the PRUH.
The service will be targeted at patients most likely to be disadvantaged by the change: those in outlying areas with poor public transport, elderly, or unwell patients, those facing long journeys with multiple changes, and people without family or friends able to take them to appointments.
Support will be matched to need, including private ambulance transport where required, car pick-ups from home, and funded return journeys by taxi where appointment timings are unpredictable. We are finalising the practical arrangements and will share further details once confirmed.
In my opinion, the decision to close our inpatient ward was forced through against patient’s wishes and best interests. We will continue to apply scrutiny where concerns remain and in the fullness of time get this decision reversed.
Thank you to everyone who has supported the campaign, signed the petition, written to local representatives, shared personal experiences, or helped keep this issue in the public eye. Your support has mattered enormously.
If you have any questions about the issues raised above or would like to contact me directly, please feel free to contact me by email to michaeldouglas@chartwellcancertrust.co.uk.
Kind regards,
Michael Douglas, Founder and Trustee
The Chartwell Cancer Trust