Proton beam therapy is an advanced form of external radiotherapy that uses high-energy proton beams instead of photon x-ray beams or electrons. Carefully measured doses of protons are delivered to the precise area needing treatment, using the latest IBA ProteusONE technology. This ensures that the delivery of proton beam therapy is highly accurate and prevents the risk of radiation reaching surrounding healthy tissue.
Radiotherapy is used to kill and destroy cancer cells. It utilises radiation in the form of high-energy x-rays, known as photons, to kill and damage the cancerous cells and prevent their growth and reproduction. It can be used as a non-surgical option to treat cancer, and it can also be used to shrink a tumour or in combination with other treatments.
The Rutherford Cancer Centres and Elekta are bringing the next generation of personalised adaptive radiotherapy technology to oncology centres across the UK, with the new MR-linac Elekta Unity available at the Rutherford Cancer Centre North West in Liverpool in 2021.
CORONAVIRUS ADVICE - for Rutherford Cancer Centre patients
As the issues associated with coronavirus (COVID-19) continue, our number one priority at the Rutherford is the health and safety of our patients, colleagues and partners. We are committed to following all Department of Health guidance and ensuring the strict code of hygiene and other appropriate measures are in place in all Rutherford Cancer Centres across the UK.
Support and advice for stopping coronavirus spread
Anyone entering any of the Rutherford Cancer Centres are screened on entry to the facility, with temperatures and any current symptoms checked by our dedicated teams, all visitors are also given a face mask to wear during their visit. In addition, two-metre social distancing is reinforced for all whilst at a Rutherford Cancer Centre. During treatment, when this cannot be maintained, all treatment staff will wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Public health experts have advised the below measures to help stop the spread of coronavirus. For further advice please refer to the NHS.
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Key symptoms of coronavirus to be aware of
The key symptoms of coronavirus are shown in the picture from the NHS below.
Other symptoms may include muscle pain and a headache, as well as loss of taste and smell.
If you have coronavirus symptoms: a high temperature, a new, continuous cough, a loss of, or change to, your sense of smell or taste...get a test now.
Watch these videos by the NHS and HM Government in relation to coronavirus
Rutherford Health will continue to ensure we navigate these challenging circumstances with everyone’s health and well-being in mind and we are taking the following steps to stop the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
We have taken the below measures:
Enhancing the frequency of our deep cleaning and hand washing and ensuring that all our team members are following all appropriate protocols to protect the health of our team members and patients.
Adding more hand cleaning points in centres that we ask patients to use when they visit.
To support reduced footfall and potential exposure, relatives are asked to wait in their cars unless it is identified that they need to accompany the patient into the centre for their appointment.
Regulating numbers of staff in centres to minimise risk –we would encourage patients to minimise numbers that they bring with them to centres.
Monitoring cleaning practices in centres – patients will be asked to ensure they follow the guidance and instruction in the centres.
Monitoring the situation daily and updating plans to ensure we can complete treatments for each patient. This may mean that we might have to move patients to other centres if the occasion requires.
Continuing to work with local partners to ensure services and emergency support is maintained in the centres.
Keeping patients informed of the situation in the centres and regarding treatments as the situation develops.
Managing appointment/treatment times to minimise risk and contact between patients. This may mean that individual appointments could be changed to quiet times in the evening.
Maintaining operational capacity in the centres, and helping local NHS as the situation develops.
What can we do:
What can we do:
Assist with provision of transport in and out of the centre to help patients avoid public transport.
Arrange accommodation if required.
Continue to provide patient support services as required.
Move patients between centres to ensure treatments are maintained.
Provide treatments at home if possible and preferred.
If patients are elderly or have contraindications, or are generally concerned about proximity to others, we will make appropriate arrangements if sitting in our main waiting area is not a preferred option.
Guidelines:
We will be following updated guidance on a daily basis and will continue to develop our working practices as appropriate and would like to encourage all Rutherford patients and families to visit the NHS England or NHS Wales websites for the most recent advice regarding COVID-19.
Working with the NHS
Rutherford Health, which operates the Rutherford Cancer Centres in the UK, has been in dialogue with the NHS and the Independent Healthcare Providers Network over contingency arrangements to deal with coronavirus (COVID -19) for NHS patients.
The Rutherford Cancer Centres in South Wales, Northumberland and Reading, are in a position to offer a wide range of cancer services to the NHS, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, imaging, immunotherapy and proton beam therapy. We already provide a number of these services to NHS Trusts and will make every effort, should it be required, to alleviate pressure on NHS services.
Read more about this by viewing our press release and statement by Mike Moran (MBE), CEO of Rutherford Health Plc.
Further information
Rutherford Health will continue to monitor and provide guidance and regular updates for patients, and would like to encourage all Rutherford patients and families to visit the following sources of information for the most recent advice regarding coronavirus:
UK Government - for wider updates and information from the Department of Health
If you require any further information about coronavirus in relation to your treatment, please call your relevant centre and speak to a member of our team:
South Wales - Newport: 01633 740 005
North East - Northumberland: 01670 339 650
Thames Valley - Reading: 01182 075 610
North West - Liverpool: 0151 459 0323
Find out more
Coronavirus guidance for patients flyer
Please download our patient flyer that provides more guidance on coronavirus: