Latest news with #MidAndSouthEssexNHS
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
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.'
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Chief executive of NHS trust in south Essex celebrates 40 years of service
The chief executive of an NHS trust in south Essex has celebrated 40 years of service in the health sector. Matthew Hopkins, who began his career as a nurse, marked the milestone on International Nurses Day, on May 12. Mr Hopkins, now the chief executive of Mid and South Essex NHS Trust, started his journey in 1985 as a student nurse at Addenbrooke's Hospital. He began as a junior nurse on the haematology ward, caring for patients with leukaemia and other blood disorders. Reflecting on his career, Mr Hopkins said: "Caring for patients when they need you most is the greatest privilege. "That experience has shaped every role I've held since. "There are many patients I still remember vividly, especially as a young nurse myself, the young people diagnosed with cancer, facing their darkest days with remarkable courage." He shared a formative experience from his early years, adding: "I recall one situation where I knew a patient's blood results weren't good, but I followed protocol and left it to the consultant to share the news the next day. "My patient could sense something was wrong and called me out on it. "That moment taught me the profound importance of authenticity and transparency. "Being true to yourself and honest with those in your care. It's a principle I've carried throughout my leadership career." After 16 years working as a nurse across London hospitals, Mr Hopkins transitioned from bedside care to executive leadership. This shift brought significant challenges, particularly in ensuring that patient voices and clinical perspectives remained central to decision-making. He said: "It can be dangerously easy to make decisions at management level that simply don't translate to the clinical environment or enhance patient experience. "Ensuring that patients and frontline teams remain at the heart of every conversation has always been my priority." Over the past four decades, Mr Hopkins has witnessed the transformation of nursing as a profession, with more specialist nurses taking on highly skilled roles. He said: "Today's nurses possess a vastly expanded skill set compared to when I trained, more than most people realise." Mr Hopkins's journey from nurse to chief executive, celebrated on International Nurses Day, highlights the powerful impact that nurses can have in hospitals, both while caring for patients and as leaders in their field. His career path serves as a testament to the essential role that nurses play in hospital care and the importance of leadership at every level of the NHS.
