Latest news with #SouthendHospital
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- 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.
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.'
BBC News
19-05-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Essex boy who cannot eat abseils down Southend Hospital tower
A boy with a rare digestive condition that prevents him from eating has abseiled down a hospital tower to raise money for the ward that has supported him since 14, receives food through a tube twice a week at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, digestive system cannot tolerate lipids – fatty compounds or oils which are found in foods – so he has them injected directly into his after descending the 154ft (47m) tower at Southend Hospital, Finley said: "I feel proud of myself that I've done it, and grateful for the friends who came with me." Finley said his uncle accompanied him down the tower and "helped guide me down"."I'm not going to do it again – I'm going to stay on the floor," added the teenager from Battlesbridge, Essex. Finley's case is so rare that doctors have considered presenting it to a medical journal, as they believe he may be one of the only people whose body reacts to lipids in this well as the food at hospital, he receives carbohydrates and proteins - along with vitamins, minerals and electrolytes - three times a day into his stomach via a different mum, Rhys, said Finley was in a lot of pain after doing the abseil."He's got really bad joints, so he's been in agony today – he didn't sleep last night because of it."I knew that it wasn't going to be great for Finley, but he was adamant he wanted to do it," she said. Finley persuaded his mum to do the same challenge two years ago "to say thank you for the ward"."I hate heights. I did it because it he was too young do it himself at the time and he wanted us to do it."I think it was even harder watching him do it today, than doing it myself. He struggled at the top and I wanted to be there."His uncle gave him words of encouragement and supported him the whole way down," she said."We're so thankful for Phoenix ward and outpatients – and hopefully it will help other children as well as Finley," she added. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
