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Frequently Asked Questions

Who is this unit for?

The Velindre @ Nevill Hall Radiotherapy Unit will increase Velindre Cancer Service's ability to deliver radiotherapy, helping them to see more patients each week. The service will benefit patients from across South East Wales who are referred to Velindre Cancer Service for their radiotherapy treatment.

The Unit will treat breast cancer, prostate cancer and palliative radiotherapy patients who meet a set of clinical criteria. 

Which treatments will be available?

The Unit will treat breast cancer, prostate cancer and palliative radiotherapy patients who meet a set of clinical criteria, and will offer the following:

  • Two Advanced Linac machines: these state-of-the-art machines will provide precise and effective radiotherapy treatments.
  • Radiotherapy Planning: tailored treatment plans to meet your specific needs.
  • On-treatment review: Regular check-ins to monitor your progress and adjust treatments as necessary.
  • On-treatment education: Information and support to help you understand your treatment and manage side effects.
  • CT Simulator: Advanced imaging to ensure accurate treatment delivery.

Is this unit part of Velindre Cancer services?

Staffed by a dedicated team of Velindre Cancer Service experts, the Unit will operate as an extension of Velindre Cancer Centre in Whitchurch; providing radiotherapy services to cancer patients in Gwent and those living in the north and east of catchment area of the Velindre Cancer Centre.

Will the treatments at Nevill Hall's Radiotherapy Unit be safe?

Absolutely. Treatment at the Velindre @ Nevill Hall Radiotherapy Unit will be delivered by an experienced team of Velindre experts at a purpose-built cancer facility. The Velindre @ Nevill Hall Radiotherapy Unit has brand new state-of-the-art radiotherapy equipment, which is fully equipped to deliver world-class treatment.

Does this mean I will now go to Nevill Hall for my cancer treatment?

There are many factors that determine the location to which you are referred, and we will always try to refer you to the location we believe is best suited to your needs. Our main aim is to get you the quickest treatment possible.

How do you decide where I go for treatment?

Patients referred to Velindre Cancer Service will be given an appointment at either Velindre Cancer Centre in Whitchurch or the Velindre @ Nevill Hall Radiotherapy Unit.

The decision on which location a patient is referred to will be based on three key factors:

  • Medical need: Every patient referred for radiotherapy with Velindre Cancer Service is different. Upon referral into Velindre's care, they will assess your medical needs and assign you to the location that is most suitable for you.
  • Availability of appointments: Our priority is to help patients start their treatment as soon as we can. This means you will be offered treatment at the location that can see you soonest.
  • Location: Where there are suitable appointments available at the Cancer Centre in Whitchurch and at the Velindre @ Nevill Hall Radiotherapy Unit, Velindre will try to refer you to the one that is closest to your home.

What can I do if I’m referred to a location that’s not convenient for me?

There are many factors that determine the location to which you are referred, and we will always try to refer you to the location we believe is best suited to your needs.

I am an existing patient currently receiving treatment at the Velindre Cancer Centre in Whitchurch. Will I be able to transfer to Nevill Hall Hospital for the remainder of my radiotherapy?

Unfortunately, patients who are planned or are currently undergoing treatment at Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff will not be able to transfer their care to Nevill Hall. This is due to the complexity in planning patient pathways and managing capacity at Velindre's sites. If you have any queries, please speak to your Velindre cancer care team.

If I received radiotherapy at Velindre Cancer Centre in Cardiff in the past, and I am referred for additional radiotherapy with Velindre in the future, would I be able to go to Nevill Hall for this treatment?

Provided a patient who is re-admitted into Velindre's care satisfies all the medical criteria for referral to Nevill Hall, it might be possible for future treatment to be delivered from Nevill Hall. However, patients will be assessed by Velindre's team on a case-by-case basis according to their medical need and the availability of appointments.

Why have you chosen to put this unit on the Nevill Hall Hospital site?

To identify the most appropriate site for the Radiotherapy Satellite Centre in South East Wales, a period of public engagement took place in 2021 and determined Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny as the preferred choice. Whilst attendance at a specific site is primarily a clinical decision, the location in Abergavenny would mean that anyone in the South East Wales region needing to attend a Velindre Cancer Centre would be within a 45 minute travel distance or less from either centre. This fully aligns with the travel distance guidance recommended by the Royal College of Radiologists.

How will I get there?

The Velindre @ Nevill Hall Radiotherapy Unit is located towards the back of Nevill Hall Hospital, with its own dedicated entrance, and will be clearly signposted once you arrive onsite. The address of Nevill Hall Hospital is available below:

Nevill Hall Hospital
Brecon Road
Abergavenny
NP7 7EG

By Car - Please view Google Maps for directions.

By Bus - View: Bus Times

You can also map out your journey via Traveline Cymru – https://myhealthjourney.traveline.cymru/

Please note that there is currently a one-way system in place across the site - please follow the signs for directions when you get onto the site.

Will there be dedicated parking?

Yes, there will be dedicated regular and disabled parking spaces directly outside the unit, in addition to all of the other parking on the site. Parking at Nevill Hall Hospital is free.

Who do I speak to if I have more questions?

If you have any queries or concerns about how the new Velindre @ Nevill Hall Radiotherapy Unit could affect your care, please speak to your Velindre cancer care team.