Radiotherapy
Our radiotherapy department is the sole NHS radiotherapy provider for Greater Manchester, although we also treat patients from Cheshire, Lancashire and beyond. A vital key to long-term survival for cancer patients is the immediate access to radiotherapy, particularly treatment with our ten linear accelerators. Our development areas for radiotherapy include intensity modulated radiotherapy and image guided radiotherapy. Our strategic plan includes delivering radiotherapy at other centres in Greater Manchester, bringing the treatment closer to patients’ homes.
Over the last few years we have had substantial investment in new and replacement equipment to expand and improve our radiotherapy treatment. Currently we operate 10 linear accelerators, a superficial radiotherapy unit, three simulators and a CT scanner. Everyone in our multi-disciplinary team has helped develop and maintain our ISO accredited service for over 15 years.
Our therapy radiographers support and contribute to every level of student learning from assistant through to advanced practitioner. Our staff are regularly invited to speak at international meetings and publish research in peer-reviewed and international journals.
Special features
- We developed our own radiotherapy research facility - the Wade centre which became fully operational in 2002. It was one of four within a worldwide research consortium. And in July 2003 we became the first centre in the world to generate 3D on treatment kV images of a patient.
- Radiographers employed in the Wade centre have become an integral part in our research from developing protocols and strategies to the analysis of study data. They have expanded their role to be part of a fully multi-disciplinary team.
Key clinical staff
- Pat Lawrence, lead radiographer
- Libby Mills - Principal Radiographer - Technical
- Dawn Rushton – Principal Radiographer - Quality
- Julie Stratford, Research superintendent – Wade centre
- Melissa Woodward, clinical specialist in CT/MR radiotherapy imaging radiographer
- Claire McCarthy, paediatric/central nervous system advanced practitioner
- Bridget Porritt – colorectal specialist radiographer
- Heather Rogers – specialist radiographer in skin mark up
- Hazel Pennington– clinical tutor
- Kay Baxter – linear accelerator support worker supervisor
- Martin Donnelly – radiotherapy bookings team supervisor
Main contact