New Radiotherapy Machine

HOSPITAL staff, patients and political leaders have marked the official opening of an advanced cancer treatment facility at Southend Hospital.

A new type of LINAC radiotherapy machine that carries out bespoke treatments for patients with a range of cancers was welcomed with ribbon being cut.

Nicky Whilde, Head of Radiotherapy Physics at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “This is an advanced piece of equipment that will mean that more patients in mid and south Essex receive their radiotherapy with the latest technology.

“It uses surface-guided radiation therapy cameras to guide the radiotherapy, meaning that radiation is delivered to the exact location of the tumour and minimises damage to surrounding healthy tissues. The machine can also adapt its doses as the tumour changes shape over time.”

The machine has already started to be used, with 20 patients being given a daily radiotherapy course since February.

One of the guests who cut the ribbon was Leslie Cast, 79, from St Lawrence, Maldon, the very first patient to receive radiotherapy using the new machine. Mr Cast was joined by Bayo Alaba, MP for Southend East and Rochford; David Burton-Sampson, MP for Southend West and Leigh; Dame Rebecca Harris, MP for Castle Point; and Richard Holden, MP for Basildon and Billericay; and Councillors from Southend and Essex County Councils.

The £5.3million purpose-built extension to the radiotherapy department at Southend Hospital, the location of the Essex Cancer Centre, is a major step forward in local cancer treatment.

David Burton-Sampson MP said: “This is an exciting step forward for cancer care in Southend. Developments like the introduction of the hospital’s new LINAC radiotherapy machine can’t come soon enough.

“Patients will receive the very best care with this cutting-edge technology. It will ensure patients get the best chance for recovery.

“It gives hope to people fighting cancer and will make a real difference to their outcomes. I am delighted at this addition to our cancer treatment services and I thank all the healthcare professionals and fund raisers from the Spotlight Radiotherapy Appeal, who have put in so much work to make this happen.”

Dame Rebecca Harris MP said: “This is brilliant news for people living in Castle Point and across south Essex. This will improve outcomes and experiences for people going through some of the toughest times in their lives.

“It’s encouraging to see such an important development for Southend Hospital, and I want to thank everyone who’s worked so hard to make it a reality.”

Bayo Alaba MP said: “I’m really pleased to see this investment in the future of cancer care. It’s a big step forward for our local services, offering faster, more targeted treatment and giving people a better chance at recovery.

“It’s exactly the sort of forward-thinking development we need to see in the NHS, and I’m grateful to the clinical teams and fundraisers who’ve made this possible.”

Richard Holden MP said: “I overwhelmingly welcome the massive investment and expansion of the radiotherapy department at Southend Hospital. Whilst this is based in Southend, it will still serve my constituents of Basildon and Billericay well.

“It’s strides in the right direction like this that are helping change the way people react when they hear the dreaded word: “cancer”. No longer a guaranteed terminal sentence, now we can positively look at how we’re tackling cancer diagnoses. The staff here are fantastic too, and I know that patients are in good and caring hands.”

Picture: Patient Leslie Cast cutting the ribbon, joined by Trust management and public representatives from mid and south Essex.

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