Southend Hospital to receive second new 'state-of-the-art' radiotherapy machine
A second new state-of-the-art radiotherapy machine is set to be introduced at Southend Hospital in a bid to provide faster cancer treatment.
The new linear accelerator (LINAC) machine is set to be installed by March next year and will be funded by the government.
This will sit alongside the current operating machine that was brought in earlier this year.
The addition comes as part of the government's £70 million investment to enhance cancer care through its Plan for Change.
David Burton-Sampson, MP for Southend West and Leigh, expressed his delight at the news.
Mr Burton-Sampson said: "It is great that we are one of the lucky ones earmarked to receive a new radiography machine at our hospital.
"It is fantastic news for people needing crucial cancer care.
"It was wonderful to go to the hospital only last week and see the newly installed LINAC machine, to now hear we will be getting another in a few months' time is a huge leap forward for treatment in our city.
"This modern technology will reduce delays, which is critically important when treating cancer.
"It will improve outcomes for everyone.
"The new machines mean that some people will need fewer rounds of treatment, and they will receive more precise treatments, which helps them to recover sooner."
"This government said it would fix the NHS and it is doing exactly that.
"I welcome the improvements in care at our hospital; it is excellent news for patients and their families."
This comes after a ribbon-cutting ceremony was held at Southend Hospital earlier this week to mark the opening of the first LINAC machine.
This introduction was described as a "major step forward" in cancer treatment across Essex, and is part of a £5.3million purpose-built extension to the radiotherapy department at Southend Hospital.
The first machine has already been in use for several weeks, with 20 patients having received daily radiotherapy courses.
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