The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH) is the first in the country to use DoseRT, which can monitor the dose during radiotherapy treatment.

The cameras, provided by VisionRT, work alongside the new linear accelerator machine (LINAC), which delivers high-energy X-rays or electrons precisely to the tumour, while reducing the radiation dose that hits healthy tissue. The LINAC enables adjustments to be made to maximise the treatment to the cancer area.

DoseRT will then be the ultimate check that all the technology is working in harmony to ensure the right dose is being delivered in the right place at the right time. Patient safety will be enhanced by the combination of the LINAC and DoseRT. 

Dr Rick Sims, head of radiotherapy physics, said: ‘These cameras are unique – we are the first in the UK to have the system operating and one of 10 globally. This is a real win for our small centre [Lingen Davies Centre] and our patients, putting us on the map. To bring in this new technology is fantastic.

‘We've brought together a team to help implement the system clinically and participate in research.'

The cameras will help explore uses for existing radiotherapy technologies; research studies can be designed with data collected and analysed on Dose RT's performance and potential, and findings can be shared within the broader scientific community.

The trust is also working with VisionRT to become a Centre of Excellence where exemplary patient care can be promoted and the site's expertise can be showcased.