Norwich and Cambridge hospitals get new radiotherapy equipment

Radiotherapy is the use of powerful X-rays to target and kill cancer cells.

In the past, therapeutic radiographers have made small tattoos, external on a patient’s skin to pinpoint exactly where to deliver the treatment for multiple appointments, without damaging healthy tissue.

SGRT replaces the need for tattoos and the machines will cut out if a patient moves out of position.

“The old technology meant you’re on the bed and they’re moving you about for quite a while before they eventually walk out of the room and hit the button,” said John Starling, 68, a cancer patient from Attleborough in Norfolk.

“But now they set you up with the three cameras, the bed gets you where you need to be and you’re in and out.”