OLD Bexley and Sidcup MP James Brokenshire has applauded plans for a new cancer centre at Queen Mary’s Hospital.

An application for the facility in Sidcup - which would combine both chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments - has now been submitted to Bexley Council for approval.

It is hoped the centre will be completed by the end of next year.

The proposals were discussed at a meeting between the Mr Brokenshire and Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust chief executive Stephen Firn last month where designs for the centre were revealed.

News Shopper: New Cancer centre plans at Queen Mary's Hospital welcomed by James Brokenshire

Mr Brokenshire campaigned for several years to secure the radiotherapy unit at Queen Mary’s so cancer patients could be treated locally.

He said: "This is great news and offers the potential for Sidcup to become a new centre of excellence for cancer treatment.

"I’ve been pressing the case for a new radiotherapy unit at Queen Mary’s with ministers and senior NHS Executives for some time.

News Shopper: New Cancer centre plans at Queen Mary's Hospital welcomed by James Brokenshire

"I’m delighted that not only is this plan a big step closer but that the addition of chemotherapy services will offer a combined cancer treatment centre for local patients.

"These are exciting proposals to improve local healthcare and strengthen Queen Mary’s future as part of significant investment plans to improve the facilities at the hospital."