The acquisition will bring Nova Healthcare’s established cancer and haematology services, including a specialist Gamma Knife service into Icon Cancer Centre’s growing UK network.
Icon Oncology Group has acquired Nova Healthcare, an established cancer and haematology care provider based within Leeds Cancer Centre at St James’s University Hospital. Nova Healthcare works closely with consultants across systematic anti-cancer therapy (SACT), radiotherapy and haematology, to support patients across West Yorkshire. Its services also include a specialist Gamma Knife treatment for complex conditions of the brain and base of the skull.
Building on established cancer and haematology services
The acquisition builds on Nova Healthcare’s existing services and established consultant relationships in Leeds. It follows Icon Oncology Group’s plans to develop a new Icon Cancer Centre at AMT Headingley Stadium, bringing advanced radiotherapy and oncology imaging closer to home for patients across Leeds and Yorkshire.
Together, Nova Healthcare’s existing cancer and haematology services and Icon Cancer Centre’s planned centre at Headingley offer an opportunity to strengthen specialist care across the region and develop more coordinated pathways over time, working alongside established consultants and healthcare partners.
Mark Middleton, Global CEO, Icon Oncology Group, said:
“Leeds is a major regional hub for cancer care and already plays a vital role in supporting patients from across Yorkshire and the North of England".
Nova Healthcare has developed important oncology and haematology services, supported by relationships with consultants from a wide range of specialities. We want to build on that full clinical offering, including its highly specialised Gamma Knife service, and support the expertise and relationships that patients already rely on. Our immediate priority is continuity for Nova Healthcare’s patients, consultants, teams and healthcare partners. We are committed to working closely with Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust and local oncology teams to support the best care for patients across the region.
Group CEO, Icon Group
Specialist Gamma Knife treatment within Nova Healthcare’s wider offering
Alongside its oncology and haematology services, Nova Healthcare operates the specialist Gamma Knife service at Leeds Cancer Centre. Icon has extensive international experience in delivering this highly specialised form of radiotherapy.
Gamma Knife is a precise, non-invasive form of radiotherapy used to treat certain brain tumours and other complex conditions of the brain and base of the skull. It enables clinicians to deliver highly focused radiation to defined areas while limiting exposure to surrounding healthy brain tissue. Treatment is typically delivered as a day case.
The Gamma Knife service at Leeds Cancer Centre is one of a limited number of specialist Gamma Knife services available in the UK. It holds an NHS England contract serving patients across the North of England, including the North-West and West Yorkshire, which is expected to continue under Icon Oncology Group’s ownership.
Patients need access to the right specialist expertise, delivered by consultants who work together across different disciplines in specialised teams. Nova Healthcare is aiming to build valuable oncology and haematology services in partnership with Leeds Teaching Hospitals to further expand and enhance the excellent facilities and care they offer.
Icon Cancer Centre Clinical Strategy Director for West Yorkshire
“We want to build on the excellent foundation developed by the Leeds Cancer Centre and work with them to support the delivery of essential oncology and haematology care through additional capacity and our specialised Gamma Knife service. We will also offer this enhanced service to privately funded or insured patients as an important part of that wider offering.
“As Icon Oncology Group develops its wider radiotherapy and diagnostic services at our new facility in Headingley, there is an opportunity to bring local radiotherapy and Nova Healthcare’s specialist services together more effectively, with a shared focus on patients.”
The acquisition builds on Icon Oncology Group’s long-term, partnership-led approach to cancer care, with a commitment to supporting Nova Healthcare’s existing consultant relationships and working alongside established healthcare providers in Leeds.