The rollout of the new technology is backed by centralised government funding provided by NHS England for hospitals in need of replacement systems.

Through its framework agreement, NHS Supply Chain procured 28 new systems for the NHS from three suppliers, Varian Medical Systems UK, Elekta, and Accuray UK, delivering savings of £21.8m for the NHS.

The technology reduces delays to treatment and, in some cases, could reduce the number of hospital visits a patient needs to make by half, helping to cut waiting lists faster. 

NHS national clinical director for cancer, Professor Peter Johnson, said: 'These machines will deliver more precise treatment for patients, which helps them to recover sooner, as well as enabling the NHS to treat people more efficiently as we continue in our efforts to catch and treat more cancers faster.'

Antonia Marks, director – diagnostics, equipment and services at NHS Supply Chain, added: 'These advanced technologies will play a vital role in reducing waiting times and backlogs, while ensuring patients receive treatment using the latest innovations.'

The systems have been purchased via NHS Supply Chain's Imaging Radiotherapy Endoscopy Ancillary Devices and Related Goods and Services framework.