Cancer patients at the Royal Free Hospital are set to benefit from the hospital’s newest radiotherapy treatment machine.

Opened at a ceremony by Kate Slemeck, the hospital’s chief executive, the new machine will treat patients with a range of different cancers, including breast, prostate, lung, lymphomas and oesophageal.

Radiotherapy is a treatment which involves the use of high-energy radiation to shrink or destroy tumours. The new Truebeam linear accelerator, also known as a linac, brings further state of the art radiotherapy technology to the Royal Free.

The new machine, which cost £1.7 million, has been named ‘Cedar’ by staff. Installation of the linac began in December 2017 with refurbishment of the area followed by delivery in March with commissioning completed in June.

Speaking at the ribbon cutting ceremony, Kate Slemeck said: “Giving patients access to the latest technology, like this linac, is at the heart of the Royal Free Hospital’s ambition to deliver world class care. This linac will ensure that patients get the best outcomes and experience, and provide our staff with the best equipment to do their jobs in the most up-to-date environment.”