A new satellite cancer clinic has opened in Frome, Somerset, this spring, offering vital cancer treatment closer to home. The Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment (SACT) Centre, operated by the Royal United Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (RUH), has already treated 200 patients since its launch earlier this year.
The clinic significantly reduces the need for patients to travel to Bath for treatment, providing a more convenient and accessible option. Brian Melksham, a patient at the Frome centre, shared his experience: “I’m very happy going to Frome. It’s much more convenient, and seeing the same friendly faces from the Dyson Cancer Centre at RUH is very reassuring. The care they give is first class.”
Previously, patients in Frome faced a 15-mile journey each way to Bath—around 40 minutes by car without traffic or over an hour by public transport. The clinic also serves patients from nearby towns including Shepton Mallet, Warminster, and Westbury, who previously had to travel even greater distances.
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The establishment of the Frome SACT Centre was made possible in part through public fundraising efforts, particularly by the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group. Mel Burcombe, RUH matron for haematology and oncology, remarked, “We’re delighted to have opened this satellite clinic in Frome. It allows more people to receive high-quality care in a calm, welcoming, and local setting. Since opening, we’ve expanded the clinic days from two to three per week.”
She expressed gratitude to the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group, whose ongoing support has been crucial in bringing these services to Frome. Michael Taylor, chairman of the group, added, “This project wouldn’t have been possible without the generosity and dedication of our funders and supporters. Their efforts have enabled us to equip the Frome SACT Centre fully.”
Taylor also extended special thanks to the Trustees of the Richard Oatley Foundation for their generous grant, which played a significant role in the fundraising success. Together, these community efforts are helping to improve cancer care accessibility and the overall patient experience across Somerset.