New radiotherapy machine for patients at Cancer Centre

CANCER patients across Berkshire are set to benefit from a new state-of-the-art radiotherapy machine.

Funded from a £130 million national investment programme set up by NHS England to replace aging machines and so modernise radiotherapy treatment, the new £1.6 million Elekta Linear Accelerator (LINAC) will replace one of Berkshire Cancer Centre’s (BCC) older machines with one of the most advanced models available today.

The centre is based out of the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading.

Dr Helen O’Donnell, consultant clinical oncologist and clinical lead for radiotherapy at the cancer centre, said: “Our ambition has always been to give our patients the best possible chance to beat cancer. Receiving the funding has allowed us to replace a 15-year-old linear accelerator with a sophisticated Elekta LINAC.

“It’s enhanced functionality means we can offer even more hi-tech radiotherapy, more quickly and effectively than ever before, supporting our commitment to provide the best possible treatment to the hundreds of cancer patients we see each year.”

Paula Horne, BCC’s radiotherapy services manager said: “Radiotherapy is an important part of cancer treatment; it has developed into an extremely technologically advanced, cost-effective and safe way of treating cancer. 40% of all patients with a cancer diagnosis will receive radiotherapy as part of their treatment plan.

“The new machine offers the most up-to-date techniques, and this investment in the latest technology is great news for our patients.”