Oldham nurse given 'game-changer' cancer treatment at Dr Kershaw's
A retired Oldham nurse is getting more time to live her life thanks to a new cancer treatment that's cut her hospital visits from hours to minutes. Rosemary Andrew, from Hollinwood, has been battling renal cell cancer since June 2022 and was initially travelling to The Christie in Withington for intravenous immunotherapy that took at least an hour.
Since November 2025, the 70-year-old has been receiving the same drug as a quick under-the-skin injection at Dr Kershaw's Hospice in Royton. What used to be a two-hour round trip is now a 10-minute visit, giving her more time for volunteering at Age UK's Oldham charity shop, reading, watching football, and being with family.
Her most recent scan in January 2026 showed no measurable disease, and she describes the care as 'compassionate' and 'helpful' from the moment she started treatment. The change means less time sitting in clinical settings and more time doing the things she loves.
The Christie, which administers around 115,000 treatments annually across 14 local centres, says the injectable version of nivolumab will be a 'game-changer' for patients who rely on this drug. For Oldham residents like Rosemary, it means world-class cancer care without the long journey to Manchester.
At a Glance
| What | New injectable cancer treatment available at Dr Kershaw's Hospice |
|---|---|
| Who | Rosemary Andrew (patient), The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Dr Kershaw's Hospice |
| Where | Dr Kershaw's Hospice, Royton; The Christie, Withington |
| When | Since November 2025 (new treatment), January 2026 (latest scan) |
| Why it matters | Reduces travel time from hours to minutes for cancer patients in Oldham |
| What's next | More patients expected to benefit from local treatment centres across Greater Manchester |
Community Comments
No comments yet. Be the first to contribute context.
Leave a Comment