Specialist cancer clinic closes to new patients

A clinic for cancer patients suffering with a chronic condition that causes body tissue swelling has been forced to close to new patients after its funding was cut.

The Hummingbird Centre in Launton, Oxfordshire, supports people with cancer across the Thames Valley and opened its lymphoedema clinic in 2024.

But the centre, which has treated 1,000 people with the condition, said it had made the "disappointing" decision to close the service to new patients after the Thames Valley Integrated Care Board (ICB) withdrew its funding for the scheme.

The BBC has contacted Thames Valley ICB for a statement.

Zoe Draper, manager of the Hummingbird Centre, said she was "so disappointed" that the funding for the service had "not been forthcoming".

Draper stressed that the service would continue for current patients "until the end of their treatment plan".

"While we will no longer be accepting new referrals, all current patients will remain under our care and will continue to be seen as needed," she said.

"This change is intended to manage future referrals only and should not cause concern for those already registered with the service."

The Hummingbird Centre is a support and therapy centre for those affected by and living with cancer.

Lymphoedema can affect any part of the body and is a build-up of lymph fluid that causes swelling when lymph nodes and lymph vessels are not working properly.

Though there is no cure, symptoms can be alleviated.

Mechelle Harris, the centre's founder, said the team was "looking at all options to try and maintain some form of lymphoedema support".

"This includes applying for grants and reviewing whether it can be offered as part of the complementary therapies that we provide," she said.

"We do know there's a massive need for this clinic."