£7m cancer treatment unit opened

The refurbished radiotherapy department is at Ninewells Hosptial

A £7m refurbished cancer treatment unit containing state-of-the-art equipment has been officially opened at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee.

Health secretary Nicola Sturgeon unveiled the new linear accelerator and refurbished radiotherapy department.

The linear accelerator delivers x-rays to the region of a person's tumour.

While at the hospital, Ms Sturgeon revealed that NHS Tayside had failed to meet a target of treating 95% of urgent cancer cases within two months.

The health board had treated 94% of cases between 1 October and 31 December last year.

'Rising demand'

NHS Tayside said the new machine and upgraded facilities at the radiotherapy department would provide a modern, comfortable environment to deliver cancer services.

Ms Sturgeon said: "This new linear accelerator will be of immense benefit to cancer patients in Tayside and Fife.

"It's a very sophisticated, state-of-the-art piece of medical equipment which will allow hospital staff at Ninewells Hospital to direct radiotherapy treatment for hundreds of patients every year.

"I am confident that this machine will help NHS Tayside staff to continue delivering high quality cancer care and cater for the expected growth in future demand."

NHS Tayside Consultant Clinical Oncologist Dr John Dewar added: "This additional linear accelerator will allow us to meet the rising demand for radiotherapy for our patients.

"The remodelling of the department has allowed us to improve patient facilities such as the new waiting area and changing facilities."