Nov 30, 2022

New state-of-the-art “Big Bore” CT scanner keeps Cornwall at the forefront of cancer care

The Sunrise Centre at the Royal Cornwall Hospital has welcomed its first patients to the newly kitted out CT scanning room in partnership with Philips.

The Sunrise Centre at the Royal Cornwall Hospital has welcomed its first patients to the newly kitted out CT scanning room, following the installation of a brand new “Big Bore” radiotherapy scanner and a three-month refit of the CT scanning and control rooms.

The new state-of-the-art CT scanner, which is dedicated to planned radiotherapy treatments for cancer patients across the county, offers superb imaging and simulation solutions that significantly enhances both patient and clinical experience. All radiotherapy referrals in Cornwall lead to the Sunrise Centre and the “Big Bore” where, after a high-precision CT scan, patients are provided with a comprehensive, accurate treatment plan.

As part of the refit, the new CT scanning room has been fitted out with a back-lit virtual skylight and coloured room lighting to bring about a more calming atmosphere, following a successful bid to the Sunrise Appeal. Additionally, the CT control room next door, has enjoyed a refresh and re-design to improve the staff environment.

This is an incredibly important and special day for us, the replacement of our previous Big Bore Radiotherapy CT scanner with one that has more hi-tech ‘bells and whistles’ guarantees to keep our cancer care at the forefront of technology. Patients will benefit from extremely detailed scans that can localise any treatment that’s needed to millimeter accuracy. The increased speed of the scans, together with the new virtual skylight and coloured lighting, will also be hugely beneficial to patients. The less time having a scan is always welcomed, especially on the first step of their radiotherapy journey.”

Amy Chippett

Consultant Radiographer at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust

We couldn’t be prouder of our partnership with the Royal Cornwall Hospital and the advancements developed together within the Sunrise Centre. It’s clear these new solutions will make a difference to cancer patients in treatment across Cornwall and their clinical teams working to provide the best standard of care.”

Mark Leftwich

Managing Director of Philips UK and Ireland

While excellent image quality is the foundation for accurate contouring and treatments plans, radiation oncology demands more. This CT scanner is configured for full laser system integration and a mechanical accuracy that supports better patient marking. It offers outstanding imaging and simulation solutions that enhances the precision and efficiency for staff and patients.”

Claire Whetton

Philips Key Account Manager (Southwest)

"The Sunrise Appeal Trustees are delighted to have been able to contribute to this project,” says Janet Shephard, Trustee for the Sunrise Appeal. “We continue to raise funds to ensure that the Sunrise Centre remains at the cutting edge of cancer services, able to provide the very best treatment and care to the population of Cornwall."

The “Big Bore” Radiotherapy CT scanner is projected to carry out around 15,000 scans over the course of its 10-year lifetime, helping the Sunrise Centre team at the Royal Cornwall Hospital to provide individuals, alongside their families and loved-ones, with the best possible cancer treatment and support in Cornwall.

About Royal Philips

Royal Philips (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHIA) is a leading health technology company focused on improving people's health and well-being and enabling better outcomes across the health continuum – from healthy living and prevention, to diagnosis, treatment and home care. Philips leverages advanced technology and deep clinical and consumer insights to deliver integrated solutions. Headquartered in the Netherlands, the company is a leader in diagnostic imaging, image-guided therapy, patient monitoring and health informatics, as well as in consumer health and home care. Philips generated 2020 sales of EUR 17.3 billion and employs approximately 77,000 employees with sales and services in more than 100 countries. News about Philips can be found at www.philips.com/newscenter.

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