Lincolnshire cancer patients benefit from new radiotherapy machine
Halcyon linear accelerator offers faster, efficient treatment at Lincoln County Hospital
Cancer patients in Lincolnshire are now benefiting from faster and more efficient treatment with the introduction of the Halcyon linear accelerator at Lincoln County Hospital, part of United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
This state-of-the-art machine provides external beam radiotherapy, using high-energy X-rays or electrons to target and destroy cancer cells while protecting surrounding healthy tissue. Initially, it is being used to treat patients diagnosed with prostate cancer, offering quicker and quieter treatment sessions.
John Ralph, 77, from the Spalding area, is one of the first patients to undergo treatment with the new equipment. His prostate cancer progressed stage necessitated radiotherapy. The retired accountant expressed his relief: “The actual treatment was quick, lasting only 10 to 15 minutes at a time, and I didn’t feel anything. The team was very helpful and attentive.”
Encouraging early detection, John advocated for regular prostate cancer testing: “I would advocate for all men to get tested because, in my case, I wouldn’t have known I was ill".
Paul Gleadle, 68, from the Gainsborough area, shares a similar experience as another early beneficiary of the new machine. Following his prostate removal surgery, he required radiotherapy and praised the Lincolnshire Oncology Centre for their discretion and support, urging others not to delay testing: “Don’t wait, because it can save your life.”
Paula Brown, Radiotherapy Services Manager at ULTH, highlighted the machine’s benefits: “This brand-new unit allows for quicker treatment, as well as higher quality imaging which reduces delays and improves treatment waiting times for other patients.”
With emphasis on sustainability, the machine consumes less power and operates more quietly than conventional linear accelerators, enhancing patient comfort.
Introduced through government funding as part of the Plan for Change, this investment aligns with the mission to improve cancer care and outcomes for patients across Lincolnshire.
The advanced technology marks a crucial step in expanding treatment options, with radiotherapy being vital for many cancer patients, ensuring timely access to life-saving care.