January 2026

Two state-of-the-art new Elekta linear accelerator (LINAC) machines are being installed at James Cook University Hospital, backed by funding from the UK Labour Government for faster and safer cancer treatment.

The first became operational last month, with the second expected to be ready for patient use in summer 2026. These upgrades mean patients across Teesside will benefit from improved imaging, more precise targeting of tumours, and fewer cancelled appointments.

This local investment forms part of a national rollout of upgraded LINAC machines funded through the Labour Government’s £70 million cancer programme. The programme is designed to cut waiting lists, reduce equipment failures, and increase capacity by up to 27,500 additional treatments nationally by 2027, including 4,500 patients starting treatment within the 62-day cancer standard.

At James Cook, radiotherapy teams already deliver around 40,000 treatments each year. Introducing enhanced cone beam CT imaging — with James Cook being only the second department in England to use this technology clinically — will support earlier treatment start dates and reduce repeat visits for patients whose cancers are harder to reach.

Rachel Murray, clinical lead specialist radiographer, said:

“These brand new machines mean we can see imaging more clearly, delivering more reliable radiotherapy treatment for our patients with pinpoint accuracy. When the third LINAC is up and running in summer, we’ll be able to get even more patients through our doors to start their cancer treatment early.

“A lot of hard work has gone into this from all our staff and I can’t thank them enough – it’s lovely seeing it come to fruition.” 

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 But NHS hospitals are forced to use outdated, malfunctioning equipment thanks to 14 years of underinvestment under the previous government.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.”

Luke Myer MP said:

“This is very welcome news for patients across Teesside and beyond. Faster, safer cancer treatment saves lives, and James Cook’s radiotherapy teams deserve huge credit for the dedication and skill they bring to the job every single day.

“I’m pleased that government investment is helping upgrade older machines so more people get treatment on time. That is what patients deserve, and it’s how we cut waiting lists in the NHS.”