Following a highly competitive tendering process, GenesisCare, the UK’s leading independent cancer care provider, has been selected by University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) as its preferred partner to provide much needed private cancer services for patients across Dorset with medical insurance or those wishing to self-pay.
Over the next 20 years, the agreement is expected to deliver more than £50 million of investment into local NHS cancer care, ensuring both NHS and private patients across the region can easily and quickly access the cancer care they need.
Delivering dedicated private cancer services in Dorset
Under the partnership, GenesisCare will develop a dedicated, state-of-the-art private patient facility delivering radiotherapy and Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) services including chemotherapy and immunotherapy, at Poole Hospital. This investment, alongside UHD’s existing funding, will increase capacity, help patients begin treatment sooner, and fund the recruitment of extra consultant capacity to support NHS care.
Paul Gearing, Chief Growth Officer from GenesisCare said: “We are thrilled that University Hospital Dorset selected GenesisCare as its partner of choice, and we’re proud to bring UHD into the GenesisCare family. By combining local clinical excellence with the benefit of GenesisCare’s national network of expertise we will create something very special that will deliver tangible benefits to both the NHS and to patients wanting to access private cancer care.
This is an exciting milestone for GenesisCare and a significant investment into the future of cancer care in Dorset. We have long believed there is a strong demand for greater access to private cancer services in the region, and this partnership creates a unique opportunity to meet that need with a purpose built, dedicated private patient unit, located alongside the NHS, delivering the latest radiotherapy and systemic anti-cancer therapies.”
Dr Bryony Eccles, Consultant Medical Oncologist at UHD said: “We look forward to working with GenesisCare. Their proposal stood out due it’s strong approach to private healthcare, underpinned by exemplary care, evidence-based innovation, research and long-term investment.
“This will benefit private patients through a purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility, while also supporting the recruitment of additional NHS staff and generating income to reinvest in NHS cancer care.”
GenesisCare’s experience and partnership approach
With a track record of delivering exemplary cancer care to insured and self-paying patients across the UK for more than a decade, GenesisCare has built deep expertise in areas where it can add the greatest value. That focused strategy has helped establish GenesisCare as the UK’s leading private oncology provider and has enabled continued investment in this rare type of NHS partnership, where NHS and independent providers work together around a shared commitment to fast access and outstanding patient care.
Expanding access in underserved areas
This approach has already supported the opening of a purpose-built oncology centre in Surrey, with other partnerships expected to be announced soon. GenesisCare is also continuing to explore additional underserved geographies across the South-West of England, where private patients may struggle to use their insurance and access the latest innovations in cancer care without travelling long distances.
While final agreements are being completed, GenesisCare and UHD are finalising the designs for this state-of-the-art facility.
From Autumn 2027, patients from across Dorset who have long waited for access to this type of dedicated private cancer service will be able to benefit without needing to travel long distances for treatment.
