North Middlesex University Hospital to benefit from new radiotherapy machine

Patients will benefit from faster cancer treatment thanks to the arrival of a new radiotherapy machine at North Middlesex University Hospital (North Mid).

The new linear accelerator (LINAC) machine can more precisely target tumours, causing less damage to surrounding healthy tissues. 

The Royal Free London (RFL) is one of the biggest cancer providers in the NHS and the new machine – which replaces an older machine at North Mid – will play a part in helping the trust reduce delays to treatment and could also reduce the number of visits a patient needs to make by half, also helping to cut waiting lists faster.

The government has invested £70 million in 28 of the upgraded machines across the NHS in England, as part of its plans to improve cancer care through the Plan for Change.

The LINAC machine will also increase the availability of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) cancer treatments, which can more precisely target tumours.  

The new machine is due to be operational by March 2026.

Roopinder Gillmore, RFL lead cancer physician, said: “Having up to date equipment supports us in our aim to provide our cancer patients with world class care and treatment with as little delay as possible.”