Why Nottingham's cancer care landscape is about to get stronger

Nottingham has long been home to some of the UK's leading cancer specialists, and now the city is welcoming back one of its own. Consultant gynaecological cancer surgeon Mr Jafaru Abu has returned to Nottingham after several years in Abu Dhabi, where he played a key role in developing advanced robotic surgery and women's cancer programmes. His return brings internationally recognised expertise back to the East Midlands and expands the treatment options available to local patients.

An experienced gynaecological cancer surgeon

Mr Abu has more than 30 years of experience in medicine, including over 16 years as a consultant at Nottingham University Hospitals. As a gynaecological cancer surgeon, he has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of care for women with cancers of the ovaries, womb, cervix, vulva and vagina. His work has helped to shape treatment pathways both in the UK and internationally. You can read more about Mr Abu and his training.

Expanding access to advanced treatments

One of the most significant developments accompanying Mr Abu's return is the introduction of Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) at The Park Hospital, for selected patients with advanced ovarian cancer.

HIPEC is a specialist procedure carried out after extensive surgery to remove the tumour. Heated chemotherapy is delivered directly into the abdomen, so that treatment can reach areas where cancer cells may remain. For suitable patients, it offers an additional option as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Until now, it has only been available in a limited number of specialist centres, so its introduction means patients in the region can access it closer to home. Our ICRS and HIPEC page explains the treatment in detail.

Bringing global expertise back home

For Mr Abu, the move is more than a professional milestone. It is a return to the city where much of his career was established. Reflecting on his return, he describes Nottingham as home, and says he is particularly excited to offer patients advanced treatments such as HIPEC alongside minimally invasive robotic and laparoscopic surgery. You can read about these on our robot-assisted gynaecological procedures page.

His experience of leading programmes overseas has given him valuable insight into the latest developments in cancer care. That knowledge will now benefit patients across the East Midlands.

A lasting impact on women's cancer care

Mr Abu's career has been defined by innovation, education and improving outcomes for women with gynaecological cancers. His return brings a highly experienced gynaecological cancer surgeon back to the city, and it strengthens Nottingham's position as a centre for advanced cancer treatment.

For patients facing complex diagnoses, access to specialist expertise and modern treatment options can make a significant difference. With new techniques now available locally, and one of the region's most respected surgeons back in practice, Nottingham's cancer care continues to evolve.

What this means for patients

For women in Nottingham and the wider East Midlands, Mr Abu's return means specialist gynaecological cancer care is available locally, without the need to travel to a distant centre. Patients can be assessed, treated and followed up by the same consultant, which many find reassuring. It also means GPs have another experienced specialist to refer to for complex cases.

How to book an appointment

Mr Abu's clinics began on Monday 15 June 2026 at Circle Health Group, The Park Hospital, Nottingham. You can book directly, and GPs can refer patients through our for GPs page. Our patient pathway explains what to expect from your first consultation onwards.

Cancer Research UK explains the treatment options for ovarian cancer, and NICE has published guidance on recognising and managing ovarian cancer. To make an appointment, please contact us.