By Gabriel Princewill-
Essex- Southend Hospital’s Radiotherapy department, a vital component of the Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, has received a significant boost with the acquisition of a cutting-edge QuickCheck device, thanks to a generous donation exceeding £9,400 from the local urology cancer group, CADGERS, The Eye Of Media.Com has heard.
This innovative technology promises to revolutionize the quality checks performed on equipment, thereby freeing up valuable time for additional radiotherapy sessions each week.
The QuickCheck device represents a leap forward in efficiency and precision within the department’s operations. It facilitates swift and accurate quality checks on all four radiotherapy linear accelerator (LINAC) machines utilized at Southend Hospital.
The revelation is good news for a hospital that has recently been set back by news of disturbing surgical errors, and worrying concerns over the staffing levels of its maternity care unit which has reportedly predisposed some of its patients to undesirable risks.
Representatives from the hospital told this publication that the surgical errors that have occurred have been rare- just six out of 1, 200 operations, albeit six too many.
However, they added that it it has made strides in learning from those errors to minimise their recurrence.
Health minister Victoria Atkins, was also today invited to see the new expansion of its A & E unit., and it is hoped her department will do more to boost its staffing levels across the board.
These LINAC machines are instrumental in administering radiation treatment to patients battling cancer across various regions of the body, making the reliability and accuracy of their operation paramount.
Traditionally, daily checks on LINAC machines are essential to ensure they deliver precise radiation doses effectively. With the introduction of the QuickCheck device, the process becomes markedly more efficient, enabling prompt detection of any potential issues.
This heightened level of vigilance not only safeguards the quality of patient care but also enhances the operational efficiency of the department.
Rakesh Kizahakke Veetil, Deputy Head of Radiotherapy at Southend Hospital, expressed gratitude for CADGERS’ contribution, emphasizing the tangible benefits it brings to both staff and patients.
“The support from CADGERS has meant that we have improved the way we check our machines,” stated Veetil. “In addition to having more time for vital patient treatment sessions, these devices also allow our team to detect any issues instantly and resolve them faster.”
Indeed, in a setting where every moment counts, the value of optimized machine performance cannot be overstated.
The donation from CADGERS not only accentuates the importance of community support in advancing healthcare initiatives but also highlights the important role played by philanthropic endeavours in enhancing patient outcomes.
The impact of this donation extends far beyond the confines of the hospital walls. It symbolizes a collective commitment to the well-being of cancer patients in the local community and reinforces the hospital’s dedication to providing state-of-the-art care.