Plymouth Radiotherapy Department
Plymouth Radiotherapy Department provides specialized cancer treatment using radiation therapy. Our experienced team of specialists is committed to delivering exceptional care in a supportive and compassionate environment.
We understand that a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, which is why we strive to make your radiotherapy experience as comfortable as possible. Our website offers comprehensive information about treatments, what to expect, and support resources.
Our service
The department is equipped with the following items as part of the PFI Managed Equipment Service. 2 Varian iX2100 linear accelerators with OBI and respiratory gating and 1 with ExacTrac®, 1 Varian Truebeam with respiratory gating and 4D CBCT and Free Flattening Filter (FFF) high-speed dose rate, GE CT scanner with 4DCT, Eclipse treatment planning systems, and High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy service. All equipment is networked by the Varian Aria patient management system.
Our Special Vision Features
Because we care about our patients, the Plymouth Oncology Centre at Derriford Hospital is undergoing an extension that involves building a new decant bunker to house a £1.9 million replacement linear accelerator (LINAC) and the creation of a dedicated High Dose Rate (HDR) Brachytherapy Facility.
LINAC bunkers, more commonly known as radiotherapy bunkers, contain equipment that is used primarily to treat cancer. It is important to provide the right level of radiation shielding to prevent high-energy rays from escaping the treatment room. To achieve this, the bunkers have walls and ceilings that are 2.2 meters thick, made of over 1400 tonnes of a specialist concrete called Magna Dense. A specialist company mixes this concrete offsite and brings it in for a complex process of pouring and curing.
The new decant bunker currently under construction will not only house the new LINAC, but it will also allow for the future replacement of our existing ones without any impact to radiotherapy services.
The new dedicated Brachytherapy Suite will include a treatment room, theater area, waiting areas, and recovery spaces. Being a complete theater suite, it will also allow other procedures to be carried out in the area.
