The hospital is one of the first in the country to use new state-of-the-art head and neck cradles that will transform the experience of patients in the Radiotherapy Unit.
Julia Harrison, from near Sleaford, had been treated for breast cancer at Lincoln County Hospital when she first heard the team wanted to purchase the new equipment. She decided to show her appreciation for the care she received by seeking a donation from her husband’s Trust of £20,866 for the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity towards the purchase of four cradles, one for each of the radiotherapy treatment rooms at the hospital.
The Lincolnshire Oncology Department’s Pre-Treatment Superintendent Radiographer, Sam Horton says the head and neck cradles can be used to treat all types of head and neck cancers. He added that it keeps United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals at the cutting edge in providing the best treatments for patients with head and neck cancers in the country.
He said:” Currently, patients wear an uncomfortable tight-fitting open facemask whilst receiving radiotherapy which kills the cancer cells.
“These cradles eliminate the need for the mask as a bespoke cradle is moulded to the shape of the patient’s head, neck and shoulders. This enables them to lie completely still on the treatment couch and receive radiotherapy with no restrictions around their head.
“The bespoke mould, used in conjunction with our surface-guided radiotherapy software, ensures the radiotherapy treatment is delivered within sub-millimetre accuracy. This is much more comfortable for patients compared with the traditional full mask and massively improves their experience and comfort.”
Julia was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2023 and spent the next 12 months travelling to hospitals at Lincoln, Grantham and Boston to receive intense chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
She said: “The treatment I received was exemplary; I had surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, injections, tablets and infusions, but thankfully I am now officially in remission and very relieved.”
During her weekly visits to the clinics, Julia became more impressed with the level of care given by staff to patients and how they shared their patient’s pain. Raising the funds for the new cradles was her way of showing her gratitude for their outstanding compassion and hard work.
She said: “My husband David is a Trustee of the F & PC Scotto Trust and so he approached his fellow Trustees to ask about funding the head and neck cradles. We are absolutely thrilled they agreed that this is groundbreaking and very much needed.”
The Radiotherapy Department has a history of being pioneers in head cancer treatments.
In 2022, the team introduced surface guided radiotherapy to all eligible treatment areas. This sophisticated technology accurately positions patients during their treatment. This means patients no longer need to be marked with three small tattoos for radiographers align the patient’s body accurately during treatment. While effective, these tattoos served as a constant reminder of a patient’s illness, even after their treatment was finished. Patients were also fitted with a tight, restrictive mask covering the whole face.
However, in 2023, the team were the first Trust in the country to offer open mask treatment with surface guided radiotherapy for all head and neck patients. Research showed around a quarter of patients became distressed or suffered mask anxiety whilst wearing a full-face mask. In 2024 the team stopped using full-faced masks all together.
Julia and David recently visited the Oncology Unit to see the cradles and present the team with their donation. United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity Manager, Ben Petts said: “We cannot put a price on Julia’s generosity. Thanks to her, David and the F & PC Scotto Trust, around 150 people a year suffering with head and neck cancers will benefit and receive a better patient experience whilst receiving their treatments.”
For more information about the work of United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity, visit: ulhcharity.org.uk