A new era of cancer care has officially begun in Southend, as hospital staff, patients, and local politicians came together to mark the grand opening of a high-tech radiotherapy facility at Southend Hospital.
The focal point of the celebration was the hospital’s brand new LINAC radiotherapy machine – an advanced piece of medical kit now delivering highly targeted treatment to cancer patients across mid and south Essex.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by 79-year-old Leslie Cast, from St Lawrence, Maldon, who was the very first patient to undergo radiotherapy on the machine. Mr Cast’s participation in the launch added a deeply personal touch to the milestone moment.
“It’s been quite the journey,” Mr Cast said after the event. “To be the first person treated with this incredible machine—and now to be here at its official opening—feels really special.”
The £5.3 million investment has transformed the radiotherapy department at Southend Hospital – part of the Essex Cancer Centre – into one of the most advanced cancer treatment hubs in the region. The purpose-built extension now houses the cutting-edge technology that allows clinicians to tailor treatment like never before.
Nicky Whilde, Head of Radiotherapy Physics at Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, explained:
“This is an advanced piece of equipment that will mean that more patients in mid and south Essex receive their radiotherapy with the latest technology.
“It uses surface-guided radiation therapy cameras to guide the radiotherapy, meaning that radiation is delivered to the exact location of the tumour and minimises damage to surrounding healthy tissues. The machine can also adapt its doses as the tumour changes shape over time.”
The LINAC machine has already been treating patients since February, with 20 people receiving daily radiotherapy sessions to date.
The event attracted political figures from across the region, reflecting the significance of the upgrade for local communities. Those in attendance included Bayo Alaba, MP for Southend East and Rochford; David Burton-Sampson, MP for Southend West and Leigh; Dame Rebecca Harris, MP for Castle Point; and Richard Holden, MP for Basildon and Billericay. Councillors from both Southend City and Essex County Councils were also present.
David Burton-Sampson MP called the development “an exciting step forward for cancer care in Southend,” adding:
“Developments like the introduction of the hospital’s new LINAC radiotherapy machine can’t come soon enough.
Patients will receive the very best care with this cutting-edge technology. It will ensure patients get the best chance for recovery.
It gives hope to people fighting cancer and will make a real difference to their outcomes. I am delighted at this addition to our cancer treatment services and I thank all the healthcare professionals and fundraisers from the Spotlight Radiotherapy Appeal, who have put in so much work to make this happen.”
Dame Rebecca Harris MP said:
“This is brilliant news for people living in Castle Point and across south Essex. This will improve outcomes and experiences for people going through some of the toughest times in their lives.
It’s encouraging to see such an important development for Southend Hospital, and I want to thank everyone who’s worked so hard to make it a reality.”
Bayo Alaba MP added:
“I’m really pleased to see this investment in the future of cancer care. It’s a big step forward for our local services, offering faster, more targeted treatment and giving people a better chance at recovery.
It’s exactly the sort of forward-thinking development we need to see in the NHS, and I’m grateful to the clinical teams and fundraisers who’ve made this possible.”
Richard Holden MP also praised the initiative:
“I overwhelmingly welcome the massive investment and expansion of the radiotherapy department at Southend Hospital. Whilst this is based in Southend, it will still serve my constituents of Basildon and Billericay well.
It’s strides in the right direction like this that are helping change the way people react when they hear the dreaded word: ‘cancer’. No longer a guaranteed terminal sentence, now we can positively look at how we’re tackling cancer diagnoses.
The staff here are fantastic too, and I know that patients are in good and caring hands.”
With the official opening now complete and the first patients already benefiting, the advanced LINAC radiotherapy machine is set to redefine cancer care in the region – delivering hope and cutting-edge treatment where it’s needed most.