RESIDENTS can call into a library tomorrow (Thursday) to have their say on proposals for a major expansion of cancer services across Cheshire and Merseyside.

Details of the £118m proposals, described as a ‘once in a generation opportunity’ and which include a new specialist hospital in Liverpool run by Clatterbridge Cancer Care, will be available in Little Sutton library from 2pm to 4pm.

Residents are being invited to give their views on the proposals which cancer experts say would dramatically improve care by offering better treatment to the most seriously ill patients, bringing services closer to people and enabling more research and clinical trials to take place locally.

The Transforming Cancer Care consultation is asking people what they think of plans to develop a new cancer hospital on the same health campus as Royal Liverpool University Hospital and the University of Liverpool.

It would be run by The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, which provides specialist cancer care for Cheshire, Merseyside and surrounding areas.

Cancer care would continue to be provided at the centre’s existing locations in Wirral and Aintree, as well as services it provides in hospitals across the region.

The proposals include further investment in redeveloping the Wirral site.

Dr Peter Kirkbride, medical director at Clatterbridge, said: “Although The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre provides excellent care, our main site in Wirral doesn’t have on-site access to other clinical specialties such as intensive care, cardiology and diabetes that are becoming increasingly important as the population ages.

“Merseyside and Cheshire has one of the highest cancer rates nationally and it’s the biggest single cause of death here so it’s something that will affect most of us.

“We provide excellent services and have a strong research programme but believe our proposals would make them even better.

“It’s really important, though, we hear what local people think.”

The development would be funded by the NHS with additional support from a public fundraising appeal.

There is no need to book for the event and the consultation team will be on hand to answer queries and provide information.

People can also complete the consultation questionnaire online at www.transformingcancercaremc.nhs.uk , by calling 0151 296 7068 or emailing engagement@cmcsu.nhs.uk.

A decision is expected to be made in June 2015.