Cancer kit to allowseamless servicein new radio unit

Three new linear accelerators for the new radiotherapy unit at Altnagelvin have been approved for purchase by the Western Trust.

Dr David Stewart, Consultant Oncologist said: “This equipment will have the ability to provide respiratory gating, real-time tracking of tumours, imaging and treatment delivery to create a streamlined system.

“The machines will also integrate with our Aria oncology information system and the Eclipse treatment planning system to provide a seamless radiotherapy treatment service for our patients.”

The original planning application for the centre had stated that four accelerators would be installed inside especially constructed bunkers to protect people from radiation used to treat cancer sufferers.

Now the Western Trust has approved the procurement of three Linear Accelerator machines.

Una Cardin, Radiotherapy Unit Manager within the Western Trust said: “The purchase of these Radiotherapy machines marks a significant milestone in the delivery of the Radiotherapy Project, which is planned for completion in 2016.”

She added: “Varian Medical Systems UK have been selected to provide three specialist TrueBeam Slim Linear Accelerators which are viewed as amongst the most technologically advanced treatment machines. These will deliver the most up to date types of radiotherapy treatments for patients attending the new unit when it opens in Autumn 2016.”