Ergéa UK, the vendor-neutral provider of Managed Services in the UK, has facilitated the implementation of cutting-edge radiotherapy technology that is transforming cancer treatment at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NNUH). This initiative is set to benefit thousands of cancer patients across Norfolk and North Suffolk.
Surface Guided Radiotherapy (SGRT) is an innovative radiotherapy technique that replaces traditional methods for patient positioning with advanced cameras that create a detailed 3D outline of the patient’s body. The introduction of this solution is set to deliver quicker, more accurate treatments while enhancing patient comfort and eliminating the need for tattoos on patients’ bodies.
SGRT uses light beams and advanced cameras to create a three-dimensional outline of the patient’s body, helping therapeutic radiographers position the patient with greater precision and efficiency. It can also automatically interrupt treatment if the patient is no longer in the correct position, a task that typically requires manual intervention.
At NNUH, the new equipment has been installed on all five TrueBeam linear accelerators (LINACs) and the departments’ dedicated CT scanner. Manufactured by VisionRT Ltd, the equipment has cost over £1 million and has been funded as part of the Managed Service Contract provided by Ergéa UK. Alongside the core training provided by VisionRT, the Norfolk and Norwich Hospitals Charity sponsored specialist training days for more than 40 therapeutic radiographers.
SGRT is a complete game changer for patients, and we are so excited to be able to use this new technology. Patients don’t need to be handled and moved by us as much, they’re in the treatment room for a shorter time, and it’s much nicer not to have a tattoo, because they’re not left with a visual reminder of a really difficult time, after their treatment has finished.
Jo Thomas, Clinical Operational Manager at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
I’m so proud of the department for coming together as a team to get SGRT up and running. Everyone is excited to use it. It’s the biggest change I’ve seen in positioning patients for radiotherapy. We’ve started offering this to patients with breast and thoracic cancers and hope to offer it to all patients in the next six to twelve months.
Mark Gilham, Head of Radiotherapy at Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
We collaborate extremely closely with our partner organisations to meet the needs of their radiotherapy departments, highlighting the impeccable work our onsite teams deliver. This bold undertaking exemplifies our unwavering commitment to ensuring patients have access to the most advanced treatment options available. Our ultimate aim is to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals affected by cancer.
Robin Rezende, Radiotherapy MES Operations Director at Ergéa UK
NNUH serve a population predominantly of Norfolk and North Suffolk, although some patients are referred from further afield especially to access specialist services available at this Trust.
Approximately 3,000 patients attend for radiotherapy treatment every year.