A new nuclear medicine and molecular radiotherapy facility will be able to detect and treat cancer and bring down waiting lists.

It has officially opened in Western Park Cancer Centre.

The new facility can detect, treat tumours and visualise organ systems which will help the specialist cancer hospital deliver new treatments.

It aims to create new opportunities for patients across the region to take part in leading national and international cancer research trials.

The brand new facility was officially opened by South Yorkshire’s Mayor Oliver Coppard at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the 8 March.

Also in attendance were former FIFA and FA football referee, Weston Park Cancer Charity Patron Uriah Rennie, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Chief Executive Kirsten Major, and nuclear medicine patient Russel Dickens.

They toured the new departments including the diagnostic and treatment areas, special therapy preparation rooms, and a hybrid SPECTI-CT.

New diagnostic and treatment areas open

Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Consultant Clinical Scientist Anna Hallam said: “This purpose-built suite enables us to offer all our patients access to the latest advances in nuclear medicine diagnostic imaging.

“As well as the opportunity for cancer patients to access new, exciting treatments sooner.”

The opening ceremony was supported by Western Park Cancer Charity, following their investment in refurbishing the molecular radiotherapy inpatient suite in 2022.

Weston Park Cancer Charity CEO Emma Clarke said: “Weston Park Cancer Charity is delighted to support today’s event which launches these incredible enhancements to the nuclear medicine facility.

“Cancer patients across our region will benefit from these new technologies and future research trials. It’s excellent that we have this state-of-the-art suite at Weston Park Cancer Centre.”

Western park Cancer Charity provides advice, therapies and support for those who have family members affected by cancer or have been diagnosed themselves.

If you or someone you care about is affected by cancer, please contact Weston Park Cancer Charity’s on 0114 553 3330. For further information click here.