Community Fundraising Brings Specialist Child Cancer to Greenwich
The Chartwell Children’s Cancer Trust has successfully funded four specialist observation monitors for Tiger Ward, supporting the expansion of the Paediatric Oncology Shared Care Unit. These monitors are essential for infusional chemotherapy — a treatment that requires continuous, high‑level monitoring so clinicians can detect changes early and respond quickly.
Bringing Treatment Closer to Families
Tiger Ward currently supports around 40 children receiving cancer care and is developing a dedicated Infusional Chemotherapy Suite. The new monitors, costing £6,700 each, will help ensure the suite is safely equipped, reducing the need for families to travel long distances to specialist centres.
For families in Greenwich, this shift is significant. Receiving treatment locally means children can stay closer to home, school, and their support networks — easing emotional strain and reducing the financial and practical pressures of repeated hospital journeys. Clinical staff emphasise that the monitors will allow safer, more responsive care and provide families with reassurance during an extremely challenging time.
Strengthening Local Cancer Services
The expansion of services at Queen Elizabeth Hospital aligns with wider NHS efforts to decentralise specialist treatments where clinically appropriate, reducing travel burdens and improving access to high‑quality care. The Chartwell Children’s Cancer Trust continues to support young patients across South London through equipment funding, ward improvements, family support groups, and initiatives that help children stay connected to school during treatment.
Where to Find Support
Families seeking guidance, emotional support, or practical help can access trusted local and national services:
Greenwich Macmillan Cancer Information and Support Centre — Queen Elizabeth Hospital | 020 3192 6363
Charlton Athletic Community Trust Health Improvement Team — 020 8102 0960
Greenwich Carers Centre — 0300 300 2233
Macmillan Cancer Support — 0808 808 00 00
These services can help families understand treatment pathways, access emotional support, and stay connected to care close to home.
