Radiotherapy Linear Accelerator Machines 2023-10-17
2023-10-17
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question arises due to concerns about the number of NHS radiotherapy linear accelerator (LINAC) machines reaching the end of their recommended lifespan in 2024.
How many and what proportion of NHS radiotherapy linear accelerator (LINAC) machines will reach the end of their recommended lifespan in 2024?
The Government and NHS England are committed to ensuring cancer patients can receive high quality radiotherapy treatment. Between 2016 and 2021, £162 million was invested which enabled the replacement or upgrade of around 100 radiotherapy machines. Responsibility for investment in radiotherapy machines has sat with local systems since April 2022.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific number and proportion of LINAC machines reaching end-of-life in 2024 was not addressed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Radiotherapy UK asserts that to meet international standards, an additional 125 new linear accelerators must be commissioned.
I am very grateful to the Minister for his reply and in particular for the offer of the meeting coming soon. Radiotherapy UK says that for us to even meet average international standards we must commission 125 additional new linear accelerators. Will he make the commitment to do that and, in doing so, ensure that rural and remote communities do not lose out by placing some of those machines in new satellite centres, such as the Westmorland General Hospital?
Integrated care boards are responsible for meeting the health needs of their individual populations, including capital allocation. The 2021 spending review set aside £12 billion in capital funding, and since 76 million has been invested in radiotherapy equipment. More investment is desired.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The specific commitment to commission 125 additional linear accelerators was not made.
Response accuracy