Bid to improve cancer services at Southend Hospital (From Echo)

Bid to improve cancer services at Southend Hospital

7:00am Friday 8th April 2011 in Health By Jasmin McDermott

CANCER treatment could soon be improved at Southend Hospital.

A consultation, being led by the Essex Cancer Network, suggests increasing the number of radiotherapy machines and specialised staff members to operate them.

A proposal, which has been recommended, would see the number of machines increased from four to five and two more would be added at Colchester Hospital.

The hi-tech lead-lined machines are called linear particle accelerators, and are known as linacs.

Dr David Tsang, clinical director of oncology at Southend Hospital, said: “We are currently the only radiotherapy centre in Essex to provide a revolutionary treatment which targets the precise shape of the tumour rather than treating the entire area.

“It is anticipated the demand for radiotherapy treatment in Essex will increase over the coming years. As a cancer centre of excellence, we will continue to provide the highest standards of care for our cancer patients.

“It is important we have the maximum number of linacs available at Southend, as well as highly-skilled radiographers and physicists, so that we can effectively deliver this care to the community.”

Extra trained physicists, technicians, radiographers and specialist nurses would need to recruited to operate the extra machine at Southend.

Dr Tom Carr, lead clinician for the Essex Cancer Network, said: “Radiotherapy is very important in saving lives and improving quality of life for cancer patients.

“We will need more radiotherapy in Essex in the next five years and the challenge we face is how to provide a service that means all patients receive the best care and ensures our system can cope with new developments, staffing issues and financial constraints.”

The NHS will host a number of drop in sessions before a final decision is made.

Senior clinicians will be on hand to explain more about the proposals as well as listen to views and answer questions.

A drop-in session will be held at St Martin of Tours Church Hall in the Town Square, Basildon, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm on Monday. It followed by a discussion workshop from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

A similar information day will then be held the following day at Southend Association of Voluntary Services in Alexandra Street, Southend. To book a place, visit www.midessex.nhs.uk/radiotherapy registrationform