Local cancer treatment services have been given a boost thanks to a new unit at Musgrove Park Hospital.

A new radiotherapy 'superficial x-ray' unit has been opened at the hospital, which could help improve patient outcomes.

The purpose-built unit was constructed off site and dropped into place by a crane. It will provide a radiotherapy service which treats cancer on or close to the surface of the skin, without radiation travelling deep into the body.

It can also be used to treat other conditions of the skin, such as large scars and particular types of inflammation

Jo Penman, head of radiotherapy at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, 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.

“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,” she said.

“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.”

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, shared his thoughts on delivering another project with the trust:

“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.”.