Cancer ServicesCancer ServicesComprehensive, patient-centred oncology delivered locally at St Bernard's Hospital — from diagnosis and multidisciplinary review to systemic therapy, follow-up and supportive care, every step of the way.
From cross-border travel to world-class local care — a decade of transformation
Cancer patients in Gibraltar had to travel to Algeciras (Spain) or the United Kingdom for chemotherapy. This placed a significant burden on patients and families, with the added stress of unreliable frontier crossings.
The Ayling-Buttigieg Chemotherapy Day Unit was officially opened at St Bernard's Hospital by the Chief Minister. For the first time ever, Gibraltar could deliver chemotherapy locally. Funded by the generous philanthropy of Mrs Margaret Ayling, in memory of her late husband Leslie Ayling and her parents Anthony and Lucia Buttigieg.
The unit grew rapidly: weekly Cancer MDT meetings, oncology clinics, and a commissioned team from Xanit International Hospital. The foundations of a comprehensive local cancer service were laid.
A new in-house oncology team was recruited. During COVID-19 in 2020, while cancer centres across the UK reduced activity, GHA Cancer Services continued to operate as normal — delivering oral chemotherapy and bloods at home, coordinating referrals, and ensuring every patient received the same standard of treatment, including expensive immunotherapy regimens.
On 27 November 2025, Minister for Health Gemma Arias-Vasquez officially opened the new Oncology Suite on the 5th floor of St Bernard's Hospital. The chemotherapy area doubled from 4 to 8 chairs, clinic rooms increased from 2 to 5, and a dedicated acute care bed — named in honour of the late Edith Dawson — was added. Made possible by a major investment from the Barzilai Foundation and a significant donation from Breast Cancer Support Gibraltar, with a large outdoor therapeutic terrace planned for 2026.
A dedicated multidisciplinary team committed to delivering the highest standard of cancer care
Clinical Nurse Specialist
SACT & Head of Nursing
SACT Nurse
SACT Nurse
SACT Nurse
Nursing Assistant
Nursing Assistant
Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner
Palliative Care Nurse Practitioner
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Haematology
Clinical Nurse Specialist, Haematology
Clinical Pharmacist
Oncology PharmacyClinical Pharmacist
Oncology Pharmacy
Cancer Coordinator
Genesis Care Secretary
Oncology Clerk
Consultant Medical Oncologist
Breast & Gynaecological Cancer
Consultant Medical Oncologist
Thoracic, Head & Neck & Lower GI
Specialist in Palliative Care
Consultant Clinical Oncologist
Visiting ConsultantRadiotherapy
Consultant Haematologist
Consultant Medical Oncologist
Clinical Director, Cancer ServicesGenitourinary, Upper GI, HPB & Melanoma
Key milestones and capabilities of GHA Cancer Services
We are capable of administering over 95% of systemic anti-cancer therapy regimens in Gibraltar, following the same protocols and medications approved by NHS, NICE and the Cancer Drugs Fund.
Tissue samples are sent to the Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust laboratories for complex molecular analysis, ensuring personalised treatment with the most advanced diagnostics. Click to learn more →
We offer scalp cooling technology to reduce the incidence of chemotherapy-related hair loss, improving quality of life during treatment. Generously donated by Breast Cancer Support Gibraltar.
We utilise platforms including Oncotype DX and DPYD pharmacogenomic analysis to personalise treatment plans and anticipate potential toxicities before they occur.
Every new cancer case in Gibraltar is reviewed at our weekly multidisciplinary team meeting, ensuring personalised treatment plans including complex surgical referrals to UK centres. Click to learn more →
We have significantly reduced emergency admissions related to SACT toxicity through careful patient selection and the introduction of the pre-chemo MDT review process.
We introduced personalised nurse-led consultations to guide patients through managing side effects of systemic anti-cancer therapy.
Cancer Services introduced the first fully electronic patient record system at the GHA — all our clinical records are digital, thanks to close partnership with the GHA IT team.
Our patient experience survey consistently exceeds 90% satisfaction, reflecting the warmth, compassion and professionalism of our team.
We have reduced our 30-day SACT mortality rate — a key quality benchmark used across NHS England — reflecting our commitment to safe, evidence-based treatment and careful patient selection.
Through our partnership with a specialist UK company, chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments are prepared in England and shipped to Gibraltar at significantly lower cost — ensuring our patients receive the same high-quality medications at better value.
"I have felt a very close and warm relationship from the cancer team towards my person, giving me the confidence to ask and inform myself. I come to my appointments like coming to see my family."— GHA Cancer Services Patient Survey
What to expect at your first oncology consultation at GHA Cancer Services
By the time of your first visit, your case will already have been reviewed following referral from your specialist doctor. In many cases, it will have been discussed at the Cancer MDT (Multidisciplinary Team), where different specialists assess and agree on the best plan for you.
Your oncologist will carry out a full assessment of your situation, including:
The aim is to decide together with you the most appropriate next step — which may include treatment, further investigations, observation, or supportive care.
Before offering treatments such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy, we assess your physical condition to understand whether treatment is likely to benefit you. One of the main tools we use is the ECOG Performance Status:
| ECOG | What it means |
|---|---|
| 0 | Fully active — able to carry on all normal activities without restriction |
| 1 | Able to carry out light activities, but limited in physically demanding tasks |
| 2 | Able to look after yourself, but unable to work; up and about more than half the day |
| 3 | Limited self-care; spending more than half the day in bed or a chair |
| 4 | Completely dependent; unable to carry out any self-care |
We may also use the Karnofsky Performance Scale (0–100), where higher scores indicate better physical function.
Patients with a good physical condition (typically ECOG 0–2) are more likely to benefit from SACT (Systemic Anti-Cancer Treatment), which includes chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies and similar treatments.
If your physical condition is not optimal at the time of assessment, we may:
In some cases, active cancer treatment is not the best option, as it may reduce quality of life without meaningful benefit. This is always discussed openly with you.
Supportive or palliative care does not mean stopping care. It means focusing on helping you feel as well as possible. This may include:
A DNACPR decision means that if your heart or breathing stops, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) will not be attempted. This is a medical decision, made carefully and in discussion with you and your family. It does not mean stopping all care — you will continue to receive all other appropriate treatments, pain relief, and supportive care.
DNACPR decisions are:
If you have any questions about DNACPR, please speak with your consultant, specialist nurse, or the Palliative Care Team.
To make your consultation as useful as possible, please bring:
We strongly recommend attending with a family member or friend. Having someone with you can help you better understand the information discussed and provide support during the consultation.
During your cancer treatment, your oncology team may occasionally extend your regular repeat prescriptions to avoid disruption to your ongoing medications. However, we strongly recommend that you manage your repeat prescriptions through your GP, as they are best qualified to:
You can request your repeat prescriptions online using the GHA Repeat Prescription Form:
This helpful video explains how chemotherapy works and what to expect during treatment.
Every patient is different. During your first visit, we will review your case carefully and explain your options clearly — including expected benefits and possible risks. Our aim is to offer the most appropriate plan based on your individual situation and needs.
A guide to Systemic Anti-Cancer Therapy (SACT) for patients and carers
+350 200 72266
Ext 2545
Cancer Unit, 5th Floor
St Bernard's Hospital
Europort Avenue, Gibraltar
Monday – Friday
08:00 – 17:00
Chemotherapy Suite: 08:30 – 16:30
24h via A&E
+350 200 72266
CT · MRI · PET · Ultrasound
Not been called for your scan?
Email: RadiologyPatients@gha.gi
Monitored throughout the day
Urgent queries:
+350 200 07286
Radiology Reception
Support, advocacy & informal resolution of concerns for patients and families. Click to learn more →
Share your feedback to help us improve Cancer Services. Scan our QR code or contact PALS. Click to learn more →
Practical support for patients currently undergoing cancer treatment — generously donated by our local cancer charities.
We offer Cancer Kits to people currently undergoing treatment as a practical aid to recovery. These kits are supplied free of charge and can be ordered for yourself or a friend or family member.
Specifically tailored for patients undergoing chemotherapy
To request a kit, please contact our Cancer Services team directly. Kits may also be requested on behalf of a patient.
"We are proud to support our patients through the donation of comfort bags for those undergoing their first chemotherapy treatment. These thoughtfully assembled bags — containing lemon tea bags, shower gel, toothpaste, products for dry lips and skin, a gel cream, and a motivational phrase — will undoubtedly provide comfort and support during this challenging time. The practicality of the bag itself further adds to the convenience for our patients. Your kindness and support play a vital role in making the journey through chemotherapy more manageable and uplifting for those in our care."
GHA Cancer Services, in appreciation of Breast Cancer Support Gibraltar's generous donation
Support organisations and information for patients, families and carers
Over 40 years supporting people living with cancer. Free professional, practical, emotional and social support services for anyone affected by cancer.
Visit Website
Local charity raising awareness about breast cancer and offering support, information and practical advice to those affected.
Visit Website
Gibraltar charity supporting anyone who has suffered from any type of cancer. Peer support from those who understand — males and females all welcome.
Facebook Page
Raising awareness of prostate cancer in Gibraltar, promoting PSA testing, and supporting those affected by the disease.
Visit Website
Working today to change tomorrow — raising awareness of pancreatic cancer in the Gibraltar community.
Visit Website
Comprehensive cancer information, treatment guides, and emotional and financial support. Trusted UK resource widely used across Gibraltar.
Visit Website
World-leading cancer research charity with extensive patient information on cancer types, diagnosis, treatment and clinical trials.
Visit WebsiteOur journey would not have been possible without the dedication of past and present team members, the charities that have contributed with equipment and donations, and the generosity of individuals and foundations who believed in our mission. It all began in 2016, when Mrs Margaret Ayling kindly funded the capital works and equipment for Gibraltar's first ever chemotherapy facility — the Ayling-Buttigieg Chemotherapy Day Unit at St Bernard's Hospital, named in loving memory of her late husband Leslie Ayling and her parents Anthony and Lucia Buttigieg. We are equally grateful to the Barzilai Foundation for their major investment in our new oncology suite in 2025, to Breast Cancer Support Gibraltar for their significant donation including scalp cooling equipment, to the Pass Trust for donating chemotherapy infusion pumps, and to the late Mrs Edith Dawson, whose extraordinary and generous bequest will support ongoing cancer care — with the Acute Treatment Bay named in her honour. Above all, our patients and their families have sustained us with their trust, courage and encouragement throughout the years.
Your generosity transforms lives. Every donation helps us provide the best possible care to cancer patients and their families in Gibraltar.
Fund the purchase of cutting-edge equipment that directly improves diagnosis and treatment for our patients.
Help our team access specialist courses and training to stay at the forefront of oncology care.
Support initiatives that enhance comfort, dignity, and quality of life during cancer treatment.
"Together, we can build a future where every cancer patient in Gibraltar receives world-class care, closer to home."
Thank you for your kindness and generosity. Every contribution — no matter the size — makes a meaningful difference and brings hope to our patients and their families.
If your medical condition is being made worse by your current accommodation, you may apply for rehousing on health grounds through the Gibraltar Housing Department.
The application form has two parts: Part A is completed by the applicant and Part B by a medical professional. The form must be fully completed by the applicant before being given to the doctor.
You can make an appointment with a medical professional for completion, or leave the form at the Primary Care Centre reception for your GP. Please allow approximately one week for processing. Arrangements have been made for forms to be submitted to the Housing Department directly.
If the form is being completed by a private medical professional, please liaise with the Housing Allocation Committee Secretary for submission. The Committee will consider all information provided — please ensure you include everything you want considered. You will be notified of the outcome in writing.
If the link above does not work, you can download the form directly from the HM Government of Gibraltar website →
Free, confidential, and independent advice and support for cancer patients and their families. The CAB can help with a wide range of practical concerns that may arise during or after a cancer diagnosis.
Free diagnostic appointments with a legal practitioner for presenting problems.
Guidance on workplace rights, redundancy, and employment changes.
Support with financial difficulties, benefits, and debt management.
Professional support for those experiencing a crisis or emotional difficulties.
Assistance with correspondence and completion of official forms.
Dedicated support for young people facing anxieties or concerns.
Mon–Thu: 8:30–15:00 (Winter) / 8:30–14:30 (Summer)
Friday: 8:30–14:30 | Appointments recommended
This page has been created by Dr David Ballesteros Quintanilla for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always discuss questions about your health with a qualified healthcare professional. Gibraltar Health Authority accepts no responsibility for decisions made based on this information.
