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 now available at the Rutherford Cancer Centre North West in Liverpool.
The care and support we offer our patients is second to none, and we provide that support from the point of diagnosis and referral through to post-treatment and recovery.
We recognise that cancer can affect much more than just your physical health, so it’s important that you feel supported, not only during your treatment but also afterwards, to give your body the best possible chance to heal.
After treatments, your recovery will be supported by regular follow-up checks with your consultant. These will vary depending on the area of your body that's been treated, and the amount of treatment you've received. Follow-up appointments are used to help keep track of your recovery, so if you have any concerns you will have the opportunity to discuss them with your consultant.
For many people, the diagnosis of cancer, in combination with treatment side effects and the disruption of day-to-day life for treatment can have a huge upheaval that affects every aspect of both their and their family’s lives.
Our aim is to provide each individual patient with ongoing holistic support throughout their treatment, including easy access to a range of supportive services and additional therapies, to aid and assist with treatment and recovery, including:
Relaxed, comfortable and modern facilities
Transportation and accommodation
Social support
Spiritual and psychological support
Symptom control
Rehabilitation
Complementary therapies
Palliative care
We empower patients to be active participants in their care, and our clinical teams work with consultants to provide a bespoke cancer management package which meets the needs of each individual patient.
The level of service, care, consideration & support were exemplary. A ‘world class’ standard.
Patient Satisfaction Survey - Rutherford Cancer Centre Thames Valley
June 1, 2020
Everything I experienced was done with compassion & great care by all staff. I can't thank them enough.
Patient Satisfaction Survey - Rutherford Cancer Centre Thames Valley
April 3, 2020
All the staff were total professionals and considerate. Nothing was too much trouble. The attention to detail was perfect at all times. I’m sure I could not have received better care anywhere else!
Patient Satisfaction Survey - Rutherford Cancer Centre Thames Valley
May 8, 2020
All staff have been incredibly friendly, welcoming & approachable which has made the whole experience really easy. Also very accommodating when changing appointment times.
Patient Satisfaction Survey - Rutherford Cancer Centre Thames Valley
June 1, 2019
The staff was excellent, caring and I would recommend to any person in my position.
Patient Satisfaction Survey - Rutherford Cancer Centre South Wales
June 1, 2020
Calm, relaxed, friendly, supportive atmosphere at the centre. Always felt safe and in good hands.
Patient Satisfaction Survey - Rutherford Cancer Centre South Wales
June 2, 2020
Each and every member of the team was caring & helpful – a warm & friendly environment.
Patient Satisfaction Survey - Rutherford Cancer Centre South Wales
June 1, 2020
What is supportive cancer care?
After treatment at the Rutherford, we are here to support you on your road to recovery. We can offer and direct you to a wide range of holistic support programs designed to suit your specific needs, following your treatment with us. To find out more, please watch the video below.
50% of people with cancer use some sort of complimentary therapy at some point during their treatment and recovery. Watch our video to see what specific therapies and support you can access at the Rutherford.
Our supportive care team is available to offer support throughout treatment and beyond for any queries or concerns patients may have. Specialists will also be on hand to offer advice and guidance to talk about any concerns or questions following treatment.
Informing our patients
After diagnosis, our care team will be available to talk to patients and their family about the specific side effects of treatment and will continue to monitor patients closely throughout the treatment process in order to provide information on managing side effects.
We have a number of comfortable consultation and relaxing break rooms throughout Rutherford Cancer Centres, where patients can talk to their care team privately about any concerns. Alternatively, they are reachable over the telephone if coming into the centre isn’t possible.
A holistic approach
One of our key goals when providing treatment is to offer a comprehensive care facility for patients coming to Rutherford Cancer Centres. In addition to providing expert advice about your treatment at our centres, our care team can offer their support to help you lead a healthy lifestyle both during and after your treatment. With strong links to other healthcare professionals, they will help you access any practical support that you may need and can put you in touch with community services that may be useful to you.
Care plan
Our treatment plans at Rutherford Cancer Centres include individualised care plans, which are put together using a Macmillan Holistic Needs Assessment. In addition to providing general information about treatments and specific information about any intended treatment, a care plan will include detailed information about the ongoing supportive care our personal care team can offer to patients.
The Macmillan Holistic Needs Assessment (also referred to as the Macmillan Concerns List) is a document which can be completed by the patient if they wish. It helps to enable our teams to understand the personal needs of our patients. The completed document help us develop and deliver a care and support plan that is uniquely tailored to you as an individual and your treatment needs.
End of treatment care plan
Once treatment has come to an end, our care team will work with patients to provide an ongoing end of treatment care plan. End of treatment care plans include information regarding late-term side effects, advice on managing these and guidance for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Access to ongoing support and advice from our supportive care staff is always available and our care teams are only a phone call away, should patients have any questions or would like to discuss further aspects of their treatment aftercare.
Other support
Macmillan Cancer Support offers a wide range of information and support, as well as help with your practical, emotional, and financial needs. All telephone helplines are free and confidential, and interpreting services are also available.
If you have cancer, it's understandable you might be worried about coronavirus. Here is the latest guidance from Macmillan.