6 days ago
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.'
