A new radiotherapy machine at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
28 May 2025 – Middlesbrough,
Thousands of cancer patients across Teesside will benefit from faster, more advanced treatment thanks to a new radiotherapy machine being rolled out at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Luke Myer, Labour MP for Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland, has welcomed the announcement, part of the government’s £70 million investment in cutting-edge radiotherapy technology under its Plan for Change.
These new machines, known as LINACs, will allow doctors to target tumours with greater precision, reduce treatment times, and improve outcomes for patients. They will also help cut delays by reducing the number of cancelled appointments caused by outdated equipment, and avoid unnecessary damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
Luke Myer MP said:
“We all want cancer patients to get the best possible treatment and that means having access to modern, safe, effective care. I’m proud that our Labour government is delivering on that, with new technology now coming to South Tees. This will make a real difference to families in our area, with faster treatment and fewer delays when every day counts.”
Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said:
“There is a revolution taking place in medical technology which can transform treatment for cancer patients. But NHS hospitals are forced to use outdated, malfunctioning equipment thanks to 14 years of underinvestment under the previous government.
“Thanks to the investment this government is making in our NHS, we will provide more cancer patients with world-class, cutting-edge care.
“By reducing the number of hospital visits required and preventing cancelled appointments, these state of the art radiotherapy machines free up capacity so that thousands more patients are treated on time.
“As a cancer survivor, I know just how important timely treatment is. These machines are part of the investment and modernisation that will cut waiting times for patients, through our Plan for Change.”
References:
- Government announcement on new radiotherapy machines:
- By March 2027, up to 27,500 additional treatments per year are expected across the country, including up to 4,500 patients receiving their first treatment within 62 days of referral. The replacement of older machines is also expected to save 13,000 appointments from being lost due to breakdowns.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/faster-cancer-treatment-thanks-to-new-radiotherapy-machines