New radiotherapy machine and £5.3m extension at Southend Hospital officially opens
A STATE-of-the-art radiotherapy machine that carries out bespoke treatments for patients with a range of cancers has officially opened at Southend Hospital.
The 'LINAC' radiotherapy machine, which uses advanced technology to deliver precise treatments, has been welcomed with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
It forms part of the £5.3million purpose-built extension to the radiotherapy department at Southend Hospital and is described as a 'major step forward' in cancer treatment across Essex.
CEO Matthew Hopkins, first patient Leslie Cast, and Nicky Whilde, head of radiotherapy physics (Image: Mid and South Essex NHS Trust)
Nicky Whilde, head of radiotherapy physics at Mid and South Essex NHS 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 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.'
Essex County councillors in front of the new LINAC machine (Image: Mid and South Essex NHS Trust)
The machine has already been in use for several weeks, with 20 patients having received daily radiotherapy courses.
Leslie Cast, 79, from St Lawrence, Maldon, was the first patient to receive treatment using the new machine.
He was present at the ceremony, along with 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.
Mr Burton-Sampson 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.'
Dame Rebecca Harris added: '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.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
23 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Why your hay fever symptoms are worse at night - and how to sleep better
A high pollen count is causing sleepless nights for hay fever sufferers. The surge in pollen levels is particularly affecting those in the south west of England, with experts warning that symptoms often worsen at night, disrupting sleep and overall well-being. Dr Seeta Shah, a medical expert at Panda London, said: "Throughout the evening the pollen count peaks, increasing the chances of allergens finding their way into your bedroom. "This can lead to a build-up of indoor allergens which can heighten hay fever symptoms as you settle down at bedtime. "As well as being uncomfortable and making falling asleep harder, hay fever symptoms can disrupt sleeping patterns by causing awakenings during the night. "This reduces the amount of deep restorative sleep hay fever sufferers can get and can leave them feeling lethargic and tired, even after a full night's rest." To reduce the impact of allergens indoors, Dr Shah recommends keeping windows closed during high pollen periods and switching to hypoallergenic bedding. She suggests that bamboo sheets may be particularly helpful, as the fabric is naturally hypoallergenic, breathable and resistant to dust mites and other microorganisms. READ: Hay fever? Here's 5 drinks you have at home that could help 'wash out' symptoms Dr Shah said: "Switching to bamboo bedding is particularly beneficial for those with allergies as the fabric is naturally hypoallergenic, breathable and resistant to microorganisms and parasites like dust mites and bed bugs. "This not only reduces irritation but also promotes a healthier sleep environment." She also advises regular washing of bed linen and taking a shower before bed to remove pollen from skin and hair. Dr Shah said: "If your symptoms are getting worse at bedtime you should ensure you are washing your bedding regularly. "As well as regularly washing your bed linen, it's also a good idea to take a shower before you get into bed during hay fever season." For those struggling with nasal congestion, extra pillows may help, but care should be taken to avoid neck strain. Bethany Lawrence, an orthopaedic expert at Panda London, said: "Whilst elevating your head is a popular way to relieve nasal congestion caused by hay fever, if you're using this technique you need to ensure you are not straining your neck."
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
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.
CNN
2 hours ago
- CNN
While you sleep, these bugs throw a party on your face
Sign up for CNN's Sleep, But Better newsletter series. Our seven-part guide has helpful hints to achieve better sleep. As you fall asleep each night, you can take comfort in knowing you are never truly alone — thanks to the dozens of eight-legged mites crawling out of your pores to party. You can't see or feel these nocturnal crawlers, called demodex mites, but like almost every adult, you have them all over your body. Smaller than a pinpoint, the tiny invertebrates, which measure about 0.15 millimeters to 0.4 millimeters in length, live around the outer parts of hair follicles and feed on their oily contents. 'While we are sleeping, they come out and are very happy, mating, visiting relatives, walking on our faces. The moment we wake up, they go back inside the pore,' said Alejandra Perotti, an associate professor of invertebrate biology at the University of Reading in England. If you're creeped out, Perotti said, 'don't be.' Demodex mites are more often friends than foes. In exchange for cleaning the gunk out of our pores, we offer these miniature vacuums our melatonin, a hormone produced in the skin that puts us to sleep but gives the mites vital energy, Perotti said. And like microscopic vampires, the mites have evolved to avoid ultraviolet rays from the sun, which easily destroys their DNA. The face typically has up to five mites per square centimeter — although without putting a sample of skin under a microscope, it's impossible to see them with the naked eye. If your immune system weakens, the mite populations can sometimes overproduce, leading to a host of skin and eye conditions. When they 'mite' cause problems Demodex mites can multiply overnight, causing an overgrowth called demodicosis, said Dr. Richard Locksley, professor of medicine at University of California, San Francisco. Immunodeficient individuals, such as older adults or people on chemotherapy, are more vulnerable to demodicosis and may have an inflammatory response to the mites and the bacteria that can colonize them, Locksley said. It's not totally known why some people experience inflammation from the mites, Locksley said. 'But what is known is that wild animals don't have any diseases from the mites, but domestic dogs and cats do. So perhaps when we moved into a different environment, and the way we evolved, a genetic mutation compromised our immune pathways.' The inflammation can manifest as rosacea, acne, dryness and flaking, especially on the cheeks, eyelids, forehead and creases where oil may accumulate, said Dr. Roberto Ricardo-Gonzalez, associate professor of dermatology at University of California, San Francisco, who worked closely with Locksley to research the mites. To determine whether demodex mites are the cause of skin irritations, dermatologists can tape or lightly scrape the top layer of skin and place the sample under a microscope, Ricardo-Gonzalez said. During a routine eye exam, the doctor may check for a waxy buildup of demodex eggs and waste around the base of the eyelashes. said Dr. Cory Lappin, an Ohio optometrist. For patients with eyelid infections, this buildup is a common cause of dryness, itchiness, eyelash loss and even recurrent sties. Preventing and treating overgrowth For most healthy adults, there is no need to panic about demodex mites. 'Most people are completely unaware they have the mites, and (it) should stay that way,' Locksley said. 'You could do more harm picking around looking for problems than just being agnostic about it. And if you have problems, you should go talk to a physician first.' Both Lappin and Ricardo-Gonzalez recommend maintaining a regular hygiene routine before bedtime, including a gentle cleanser to remove debris and excess oil from the face. Take off eye makeup and false lashes before sleep as well to keep the area clean and avoid irritating the delicate tissue around the eye, Lappin said. Those with acne-prone skin can use a topical retinoid one or two nights a week, Ricardo-Gonzalez said, noting that moderation is key to a bedtime skin care routine. 'I've seen it in patients when you have moisture-barrier disruption, meaning your skin is overly dry or overproducing oil from inflammation or excessive washing. The mites can overgrow in those instances,' Ricardo-Gonzalez said. Regular, adequate sleep is also important to prevent skin from overproducing sebum, the oily substance that's like food for the mites, studies have shown. To treat demodicosis, a dermatologist might prescribe topical or oral ivermectin to reduce the populations back to normal counts, Ricardo-Gonzalez said. It's not possible, though, to completely rid yourself of the mites permanently. The US Food and Drug Administration approved medicated eye drops in 2023 to treat demodex-related eyelid inflammation, Lappin said. Here today, gone tomorrow? Observed on humans for centuries, demodex mites are thought to be passed from contact with our mothers shortly after birth. Perotti and her research team discovered in 2022, however, that these symbiotic creatures may be experiencing what she calls 'a long-term evolutionary death.' 'When you have organisms that are exposed to this symbiotic life, it leads to genome erosion, or a loss of genes over time,' Perotti said. 'We predict that this will continue to the point that (the mites) will disappear.' With no predators, external threats or competitors, demodex mites have no selective pressures, Perotti explained. And since they are passed down between related humans, the populations lack genetic diversity — in other words, they are inbred. It's unknown how long the extinction will take, but to Perotti, this is nothing to celebrate — or mourn — considering humans will likely adapt to need demodex mites less as they die out. 'There has been very bad talk about the mites for a long time. They have been blamed for a lot of problems, but the suppressed immune system is the problem, not the mite itself,' Perotti said. 'We should think of them as our companions.'
