Patients receiving cancer treatment at the Royal Cornwall Hospital will now benefit from two new state‑of‑the‑art Linear Accelerators (LINACS), installed at the Sunrise Centre over the past 16 months.
LINACS deliver high‑energy, highly precise radiation therapy and are essential in the treatment of many cancers. The commissioning of both machines will help ensure the continued delivery of outstanding and timely care for patients across Cornwall.
The first of the new devices, located in the Crantock Suite (LA5), opened to patients in September 2025. It is fitted with Hypersight software, funded by a generous £400,000 donation from the Sunrise Appeal.
The technology provides world‑leading precision imaging, allowing treatment to be delivered with pinpoint accuracy and in less time — improving patient comfort and increasing efficiency for staff.
The second replacement, the Mullion Suite (LA6), opened on Monday 30 March 2026. Its installation was brought forward by a year after the hospital received £2.61 million from NHS England’s national radiotherapy equipment replacement fund.
“Having not just one, but two, brand new state‑of‑the‑art linear accelerators installed is a real game changer in helping us to reduce cancer waiting times in Cornwall and provide continued outstanding care to our patients,” said Savvas Rizkalla, Head of Radiotherapy Physics at RCHT.
“Linacs are very clever and versatile medical devices, in that they use high‑energy electron beams to treat cancers with pinpoint accuracy. Huge thanks to everyone who has made this happen: NHS England’s National Capital Fund, RCHT’s Capital Fund, the Sunrise Appeal for its generous £400,000 Hypersight donation, and RCHT Charity which has provided the finishing touches, including skylights and murals, that really help to improve the patient experience.”
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Janet Shephard, Trustee of the Sunrise Appeal, added: “We're incredibly grateful to our supporters. Without them, this kind of cutting‑edge cancer treatment simply wouldn't be possible. We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to every donor, volunteer and fundraiser who continue to help us keep world‑class treatment in Cornwall.”
RCHT Charity Director Anna Cairns said: “We fund the extras that the NHS budget doesn’t stretch to; the things that lift spirits, enhance care, and make a real difference to patients, families and staff.
"We funded these murals and skylights to create a calmer, more welcoming environment that reduces patient anxiety, improves comfort during treatment, and supports a more positive overall experience for both patients and staff.”
The Sunrise Centre, which opened in 2002, is Cornwall’s only radiotherapy facility. It treats around 2,000 new patients each year and delivers more than 1,800 courses of radiotherapy.
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