New cancer treatment unit installed at Musgrove Park Hospital
It's hoped the brand new radiotherapy superficial x-ray unit will provide better access for patients across Somerset
Last updated 20th Jun 2024
What's claimed to be the world's largest land-based crane has helped Musgrove Park Hospital with the installation of their brand new radiotherapy treatment unit.
Hospital staff say cancer treatment in Somerset's now been given a 'major boost', now the superficial x-ray unit's in place and open.
It was purpose built off site before being craned into position in two halves by 'Big Carl', which can usually be spotted at the nearby Hinkley Point C power station.
The treatment provided by the superficial x-ray unit has benefits for cancer patients, and those with non-cancerous conditions, too.
That's because the x-rays can only be used to treat conditions on or close to the surface of the skin, with the radiation not able to travel far into the body.
It can also help treat large scars on the body or foot inflammation (plantar fasciitis), because of the precise, high energy dose which the machine can provide the patient.
A superficial x-ray is produced electronically through a tube and has a similar level of energy to diagnostic x-rays, with around 120kv voltage, or 220kv voltage when treating the slightly deeper skin lesions.
Better access to radiotherapy across Somerset - while helping to reduce waiting times
Jo Penman, our head of radiotherapy, said having the new superficial x-ray unit means patients across the county can continue to access radiotherapy treatment in an environment that supports them best, while helping to reduce waiting times.
She added: “Our new superficial x-ray unit gives us an additional radiotherapy facility alongside our existing linear accelerator machines, which may not be right for every patient.
“The waiting times in Somerset for treatment on a linear accelerator have increased significantly since the pandemic as we’re seeing many more patients with cancer.
“While these groups of patients can’t be treated on a superficial x-ray unit, we can help to ease the pressure on our linear accelerators by using it to treat other conditions.
“The superficial x-ray gives us the opportunity to spend a bit more time getting them into the position they need to be in as the unit isn’t quite as rigid as a linear accelerator.
“Our previous superficial x-ray unit was located in an area of the hospital's Old Building that needed to be knocked down in preparation for the building of our new surgical centre.
“We worked closely with our capital projects team to design the type of facility that we needed, providing a lead-lined building to house this new superficial x-ray unit.
“We wanted to ensure our new unit was futured proofed because these machines can last a minimum of 10 years, but often much longer as they are less complex to maintain.
“Everyone at the new unit and wider Beacon Centre want to say a huge thank you to the Somerset Unit for Radiotherapy Equipment (SURE) charity, which has bought so much equipment for the new unit – we’re really lucky to have such an amazing charity supporting us.”
'A real step forward'
Paul Alway, chair of SURE, said: “Since funding the original superficial X-ray equipment at Musgrove, SURE supporters and fundraisers have funded the introduction of many advances in treatment across the radiotherapy department and the wider hospital through our joint vision and roadmap, helping to improve the diagnosis, treatment and outcomes for cancer patients.
“SURE is currently funding the largest project we have ever undertaken with the introduction this year of Surface Guided Radiotherapy Treatment across the radiotherapy department, which will deliver a real step forward in radiotherapy treatment for Somerset.”
Jonathan Brindley, ModuleCo’s sales and marketing director, said: “We are pleased to have worked in partnership with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust once again by providing another high-quality modular healthcare facility at Musgrove Park Hospital. This follows the delivery of two ophthalmic day surgery units, a PET-CT facility and a maternity theatre.
“This superficial X-ray facility, though smaller than our typical facility size, is significant in its complexity owed to its substantial 14mm lead lining. The lead lining was applied to the floor, walls and ceiling, in addition to a 750kg lead lined door, adding considerable weight to our already robust module design. The heaviest module we installed weighed in at an incredible 35 tonnes when only 8 meters in length.
“We look forward to continuing our working relationship with the trust on projects in development, now and others in the near future.”