The new facility – boasting high-precision technologies which can detect, image, and treat tumours and visualise organ systems in real time – will, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust says, ‘play a key role in enabling the specialist cancer hospital to deliver a wave of newly targeted treatments set to come on board in the next few years’. It will also provide opportunities for patients across the region to take part in leading national and international cancer research trials.
The Trust said: “The new Centre will build on Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust’s reputation as a European Neuroendocrine Tumour Society Centre of Excellence for the treatment and diagnosis of rare neuroendocrine tumours. and increase the capacity of the Trust’s nuclear medicine department to provide treatment for these tumours across a wide geographical area.”
Following a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Oliver Coppard was given a tour of the department, which incorporates diagnostic and treatment areas, special therapy preparation rooms, and a hybrid SPECTI-CT scanner. He was also shown how the lead-lined building and shielded preparation and treatment bays limit radiation exposure.
Also attending were former international FIFA and FA football referee and Weston Park Cancer Charity Patron, Uriah Rennie, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals CEO, Kirsten Major, and nuclear medicine patient, Russell Dickens.
Weston Park Cancer Centre Consultant Clinical Oncologist. Professor Jonathan Wadsley, said: “We are delighted to be opening this cutting-edge facility, which will enable us to continue delivering breakthrough treatments to patients in the South Yorkshire region and beyond, and pair sophisticated imaging techniques with targeted therapies to lessen the side of effects of cancer treatments.”
The opening event was supported by Weston Park Cancer Charity, following its investment in refurbishing the brachytherapy and molecular radiotherapy inpatient suite in 2022. The charity provides services, advice, therapies, and support for those affected by cancer in the Sheffield and South Yorkshire region, along with funding life-saving research and clinical trials.