New radiotherapy machine coming to UHP to cut wait times
UHP is welcoming brand-new, cutting-edge technology, which is safer for patients and precisely targets tumours, causing less damage to surrounding healthy tissues.
The investment will provide a new Linear Accelerator (LinAc) machine, which aims to strengthen radiotherapy services across the UK.
Radiotherapy plays a vital role in the fight against cancer. With 1 in 2 people developing some form of cancer in their lifetime and approximately 50% of cancer patients requiring radiotherapy as part of their treatment, timely access to high-quality radiotherapy is essential.
Chris Bowen, Radiotherapy Services Manager, said: “This investment is great news. Our radiotherapy team remains dedicated to delivering the highest standards of care, not only for patients in the Plymouth area but across the wider cancer alliance. This investment empowers us to further that commitment by embracing innovative technologies that ensure patients receive the most accurate and effective treatment available.”
“It will also provide staff with new and exciting opportunities to develop their knowledge and skills and provide them the tools they need to continue delivering the safe, high-quality care that our patients need and deserve.”
The new LINAC radiotherapy machine commissioned by NHS England will help to improve health inequalities by ensuring every radiotherapy service has the modern equipment needed to offer innovative radiotherapy treatments.
The new machine will support the Trust’s continued commitment to acquiring Surface Guided Radiotherapy (SGRT) systems and will complement the ongoing replacement of ageing equipment and support the earlier than anticipated adoption of advanced technologies.
The new state-of-the-art system, when used in combination with SGRT, will improve the precision and efficiency of treatment delivery, reduce individual treatment times, and allow the Trust to provide approximately 700 additional fractions of radiotherapy per year.
Chris added: “The radiotherapy department remains at the forefront of cancer care, continually working to evolve its services in line with the latest developments in clinical practice and technology. This investment gives a massive boost to our ability to meet the challenge of fighting cancer and improve patient outcomes.”
