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The University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust (UHL) and equipment service provider Ergéa have opened a state-of-the-art Halcyon linear accelerator.
Installation of the linear accelerator (Linac) marks a major advancement in radiotherapy services at the trust, supporting treatment capacity and ensuring patients have access to cutting-edge cancer care.
The installation comes following last year’s comprehensive upgrade of the trust’s fleet of radiotherapy equipment, with UHL’s four truebeam linacs being modernised to ensure efficient and reliable treatment delivery.
Meeting growing demand
A key factor in the success of this project was the seamless integration of new equipment across the fleet, UHL said.
Both UHL and Ergéa teams worked to ensure compatibility across the linacs, allowing for consistent treatment between machines.
This collaboration significantly reduced treatment variation, enhancing the overall treatment environment and improving the patient experience, it added.
Suzanne Jordan, head of radiotherapy at University Hospitals of Leicester, said: “The new machine gives us the opportunity to increase capacity, reduce waiting times and ensure that more patients receive timely and effective radiotherapy treatment.
“This new state-of-the-art machine brings with it new technology to enhance the care we provide to our patients, and it is quicker and quieter. This reflects our commitment to high-quality care for all as the new machines will help to improve patient outcomes and meet the growing demand for high-quality cancer treatment.”
Dedication and collaboration
UHL and Ergéa’s partnership has permitted the trust to upgrade its radiotherapy fleet in an expedited timeline, and to position itself as one of only 10 UK centres to offer the advanced Halcyon Linac.
Modernising its equipment has helped to improve precision, minimise the risk of delays, and ensure patients benefit from the latest advancements in cancer treatment.
The ceremony highlighted the dedication and collaboration of both teams, whose shared commitment has driven major improvements in efficiency, quality and accessibility of radiotherapy.
Attendees included Jon Melbourne, chief operating officer, Suzanne Nancarrow, associate director of operations – cancer and Mark Norton, general manager medical physics from UHL along with members of the clinical teams and those involved with the provision of the bunker.
Ergéa UK has partnered with UHL since 2002. Through this long-term partnership, Ergéa has supported UHL in delivering innovative healthcare by maintaining and upgrading Diagnostic Imaging, Cardiology, and Radiotherapy equipment.
(image: Opening of UHL's Halcyon Linac, via UHL)