Hinchingbrooke is ­out-performing many other hospitals in the country, with its care for cancer patients rated at more than double the national average.

Recent figures highlighted by the Breast Cancer Campaign charity showed 42.3 per cent of patients at the Huntingdon ­hospital receiving a care plan and written assessment – the national average is 21 per cent. Cambridge University Hospitals, which includes Addenbrooke’s, achieved 19.4 per cent.

Dr Cheryl Palmer, consultant medical oncologist and lead cancer clinician at Hinchingbrooke, said: “At Hinchingbrooke, we believe in putting doctors and nurses in charge to treat their patients how they see fit.”

Care for cancer patients referred to the hospital’s Woodlands Cancer Centre is to improve further with the addition of an £800,000 extension.

Staff and supporters of the centre have been working hard to raise the necessary funds. To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/woodlandscentre.