The Lanarkshire Beatson

Development of new West of Scotland Satellite Radiotherapy Centre

Demand for radiotherapy treatment is set to increase significantly over the next ten years as more of us live longer and more cases of cancer are detected at an earlier stage.

To help meet this future demand a new Radiotherapy facility was built on the site of the old Airdrie health centre within the grounds of Monklands hospital.

This facility is a satellite for the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre in Glasgow and provides state-of-the-art radiotherapy treatments for patients from Lanarkshire and surrounding areas.

It is equipped with the most advanced technology to deliver the same world-class treatment and techniques currently provided at the main Beatson Centre in Glasgow including two new state-of-the-art linear accelerators; there is also a CT unit on-site to help plan radiotherapy treatment.

The facility has identical machinery which is fully compatible with the main Beatson centre in Glasgow; both units share the same IT network so although separated by 16 miles they are in effect one big centre.

The facility was opened on 30th November 2015 and currently treats up to 80 out-patients per day requiring radiotherapy for Breast, Lung, Prostate, Bladder and Colorectal cancers.

Patients attending Lanarkshire Beatson will have all procedures relating to their radiotherapy in the centre although a few may still require certain elements of their preparation to be completed in Glasgow.

The unit is staffed by radiographers, nurses, physicists’ receptionists and medics, all of whom take pride in providing the best patient care experience possible.

A recent survey undertaken after first 6 months showed patients satisfaction was extremely high and the facility was meeting the needs of patients as anticipated.

To compliment the radiotherapy treatment the facility also has a well-being centre operated by the Beatson Cancer Charity. This centre offers therapies such as Massage, Reiki, Reflexology, Manicures and pedicures, all of which are free of charge to patients and relatives.