The Elekta linear accelerator (LINAC) machines carefully aim beams of radiation at cancerous areas to kill cancer cells. With better imaging quality than their predecessors, patients are receiving targeted radiotherapy treatment with greater precision than ever before.
As part of a project to replace three older LINACs in the hospital’s Endeavour Unit, two of the new machines are now in use. The first became operational in March 2024 and the latest on Monday 1 December 2025.
Now, work has begun to replace the third and final older model, which is expected to be ready for patient use in summer 2026.
Rachel Murray, clinical lead specialist radiographer, explains: “These brand new machines mean we can see imaging more clearly, delivering more reliable radiotherapy treatment for our patients with pinpoint accuracy.
“When the third LINAC is up and running in summer, we’ll be able to get even more patients through our doors to start their cancer treatment early.
“Our teams are enjoying working with the new machines as well. A lot of hard work has gone into this from all our staff and I can’t thank them enough – it’s lovely seeing it come to fruition.”
Kevin Burke, head of radiography physics, continued: “I’m very pleased that we’re bringing Elekta’s advanced CBCT [cone beam computed tomography] imaging into clinical use.
“We’re the second department in England to use this technology clinically, with another advanced CBCT capable machine due in the summer of 2026. As Rachel highlights, the advanced imaging will be enormously helpful and lays the foundations for the next generation of radiotherapy treatment.
“This is a very exciting new technology that could bring major benefits for our patients.”
Funding to upgrade the final LINAC machine in 2026 comes as part of a national £70million programme launched by the Department of Health and Social Care. The rollout of the new equipment aims to deliver an additional 27,500 treatments nationally, helping to treat more cancer patients quickly.