The NHS Supply Chain is helping the NHS treat cancer patients faster by supplying 28 new linear accelerator (LINAC) radiotherapy systems to cancer centres across England and Wales during 2025/26.
The rollout, backed by centralised government funding from NHS England, will replace outdated systems in hospitals most in need, ensuring patients receive quicker, more effective treatment.
Through its framework agreement, NHS Supply Chain procured the systems from three leading suppliers, helping to deliver £21.8 million in savings for the NHS.
These advanced LINAC systems offer significant benefits:
- Reduced treatment delays, helping cut cancer waiting lists faster
- In some cases, halving the number of hospital visits required for patients
- Improved precision and efficiency in radiotherapy delivery
Professor Peter Johnson, NHS National Clinical Director for Cancer, commented:
“Radiotherapy is essential for many cancer patients, so it’s great news that the investment in new machines means that some will need fewer rounds of treatment, as we bring in more sophisticated techniques.
“These machines will deliver more precise treatment for patients, which helps them to recover sooner, as well as enabling the NHS to treat people more efficiently as we continue in our efforts to catch and treat more cancers faster.”
The investment marks a major step forward in modernising cancer care and supporting the NHS’s commitment to reducing waiting times and improving patient outcomes.
Clinical Service Manager for Radiotherapy at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Rachael Edwards, also said:
"We were pleased to benefit from the NHS England-funded LINAC programme which, through the NHS Supply Chain purchasing route, has enabled us to replace a 12-year-old radiotherapy machine with a new state-of-the-art system.
“This upgrade marks a significant step forward in our ability to deliver advanced radiotherapy treatments with enhanced precision and efficiency. We anticipate meaningful improvements in workflow and patient experience, and we’re optimistic that this investment will support our ongoing efforts to meet rising demand and reduce waiting times."
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