15 July 2026

Cancer patients across Teesside are set to benefit from faster treatment after James Cook secured £750,000 to recruit at least 10 new therapeutic radiographers to help cut waiting times.

The new funding from the Labour Government will allow the hospital to staff its newest radiotherapy machines. James Cook recently received two new state-of-the-art LINAC machines through the Labour Government’s £70 million national radiotherapy upgrade programme, bringing faster, more precise treatment and reducing cancelled appointments. This means that from this month, James Cook will operate six LINAC machines and two CT scanners, enabling more patients to begin treatment sooner while benefiting from highly targeted cancer care.

The announcement builds on the Labour Government’s wider investment in cancer services, with the National Cancer Plan published in February, the expansion of community diagnostic centres, and targeted initiatives to improve early diagnosis and faster treatment for cancer patients.

More widely, Labour has achieved the biggest monthly reduction in NHS waiting lists in 17 years, with waiting lists down by over 400,000 since the government took office. 

Luke Myer MP said:

“James Cook’s cancer teams already do an outstanding job for patients across our region. I’m pleased to see this further investment building on the new radiotherapy machines already delivered by the Labour Government, and I’ll continue working to ensure people in Teesside get the high-quality cancer care they deserve.”

Claire Huntley, Radiotherapy Services Manager at James Cook University Hospital, said:

“This is fantastic news for our patients as it will help reduce waiting times and we will also have the ability to offer additional sessions when required.

“It is also a great opportunity for anyone looking to start or progress their therapeutic radiographer career to join a friendly, forward-thinking team who support patients through one of the most challenging periods of their lives.”

To find out more visit southtees.nhs.uk/services/cancer-institute/radiotherapy