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Staff at Scotland’s newest radiotherapy satellite centre have welcomed the first patients.
The Lanarkshire Beatson, situated at Monklands Hospital in Airdrie, opened on Monday 30 November.
Robert Scott, lead therapy radiographer who is responsible for operational matters, said: “Our team of clinical physics staff, radiotherapy staff and associated nursing and admin staff are passionate about establishing the service and delivering the highest standards of care.
“We have a fantastic team and a very well designed facility which come together to create a very warm and welcoming environment for our patients.
“Close working relationships have already formed with NHS Lanarkshire staff and they have been enthusiastic and committed to the project.”
The Lanarkshire Beatson is a satellite facility for the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre and is equipped with the most advanced technology to deliver the same world-class treatment provided at the Glasgow centre.
The new £22 million satellite radiotherapy centre, which was funded by the Scottish Government Health and Social Care Directorate, includes two state-of-the-art linear accelerators. This will enable around 80 patient treatments a day for people who require radiotherapy for lung, breast, prostate and rectal cancers. The centre also has a CT simulator to help plan radiotherapy treatment.
Janette Fraser, Lanarkshire Beatson project director, said: “Everyone who has been involved in this unique and innovative partnership project - involving five west of Scotland Health Boards, Beatson Cancer Charity and the Scottish Government - is absolutely thrilled to have reached this day.
“Opening the doors and seeing our patients for the first time was very exciting for all the staff involved who have worked very hard to make this happen.
“I would like to thank Beatson Cancer Charity for the significant contribution they have made to enhancing the facilities. They offer incredible services to help support people with cancer and their loved ones through challenging times.”
Patient and family support will be provided by Beatson Cancer Charity staff with a comprehensive range of wellbeing and specialist services including complementary therapies, specialist heath and work support and activities which will be delivered in the charity’s wellbeing room and in other locations around the facility such as the courtyard.
Chief Executive of Beatson Cancer Charity, David Welch said: “This much needed facility will see 21,000 patient treatments delivered each year. By enhancing the facilities and improving the experience of patients, Beatson Cancer Charity will impact positively on between 1,000 and 1,200 cancer patients and their families each year and thousands more long term.
“The services the charity provides are incredible and really help support patients and their families during such a difficult time. It is fantastic that we are in a position to provide these services locally in Lanarkshire.”
