The Health Scrutiny Sub-Committee met on 16 September 2026 to discuss an update from King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust regarding the new haematology day unit and engagement activities. The committee received an update from representatives of King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (KCH) concerning the Standard Operating Policy for the new haematology day unit and associated engagement activities. The Trust's Senior Head of Nursing, Lisa Barrott, highlighted that patient experience had been a central consideration in the service changes, with robust feedback mechanisms in place, including the Friends and Family Test and the National Cancer Patient Experience Survey. Patients would also have direct contact with Clinical Nurse Specialists, and could raise concerns via the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) or the formal complaints process. Incident reports relating to services would be reviewed weekly, with thematic analysis undertaken for any identified patterns.

Update from King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Professor Roopen Arya, Clinical Director for Haematological Medicine, explained that the proposal was driven by the aim to improve patient care and establish a more specialist haematology service. Most haematology care already occurs in outpatient, day-unit, and community settings. Complex inpatient haematology care, requiring specialist medical, nursing, multidisciplinary, and critical care support, would be consolidated at the Denmark Hill site. The eight haematology inpatient beds currently at the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) would move to Denmark Hill. The new Chartwell Haematology Day Unit at the PRUH would feature six clinical treatment spaces, counselling facilities, and space for a Macmillan Support Centre. Services from launch would include blood and platelet transfusions, iron infusions, intravenous immunoglobulin treatment, venesection procedures, monitoring and treatment of some lower-grade infections, blood testing, clinical reviews, and supportive care for both cancer and non-cancer haematology patients. Standard NHS procedures would be followed if the day unit reached capacity, with arrangements for urgent symptoms, infection risks, and out-of-hours care mirroring the existing specialist model at Denmark Hill. The service would initially operate Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, with future changes to hours considered following review and subject to additional resources.

Questions were raised regarding the financial savings anticipated from these changes, with the Chief Delivery Officer, Angela Helleur, stating that the original target saving of approximately £400k had been reduced. She emphasised that the proposals were primarily driven by clinical considerations. The transfer of inpatient activity from the PRUH to Denmark Hill was anticipated to occur on the weekend of 24th-25th October 2026.

A co-opted member raised concerns about car parking and accessibility, which had been identified as major issues for patients, families, and visitors. Dr Carmel Curtis, Chief of Division A, acknowledged parking as a recurring concern but noted the Trust's inability to alter geographical constraints or create additional parking at Denmark Hill. Patients eligible for hospital transport or ambulance transport would continue to receive it, and the King's Charity would support some families with travel costs.

Councillor Diane Smith, Portfolio Holder for Adult Care and Health, sought reassurance regarding out-of-hours care for patients presenting at A&E. Professor Arya confirmed that specialist support would mirror the existing model at Denmark Hill, with specialist registrars and consultants available on-call. The Chief of Division A added that this did not represent a change to the current pathway, as patients with haematological malignancies already attend A&E where they are assessed and triaged by emergency and medical teams who can access specialist haematology advice.

The Sub-Committee was informed that the planned opening in October coincided with the Trust's comprehensive seasonal pressures plan, which had been approved by the Board and submitted to NHS England. The Trust was confident that seasonal demand had been factored into planning.

The Sub-Committee resolved that the update be noted.

The meeting also confirmed future meeting dates: Thursday 8th October 2026, Tuesday 12th January 2027, and Tuesday 13th April 2027.