The radiotherapy department at the Royal Free Hospital has introduced a new bladder scanner that will improve care for patients undergoing pelvic radiotherapy, thanks to a grant from the Royal Free Charity.

The scanner measures the size of a patient's bladder to ensure pelvic radiotherapy treatment is as targeted as possible, minimising potential side effects.

Use of the scanner will also help avoid repeated planning scans, as it will be easier to determine if a patient's bladder is insufficiently full to proceed with treatment.

Katharine Pigott, clinical oncologist, said: “The scanner will improve patient care by reducing side effects in the treatment of prostate cancer and increasing the accuracy of treatment in bladder cancer patients.”

Over the coming months the scanner will be introduced for all patients due to receive pelvic radiotherapy. The radiotherapy department is also set to roll out a new £1.8 million radiotherapy unit this summer, giving more patients access to the latest treatments. 

ENDS

Notes to editors

Read our news story about the new radiotherapy unit for further information.

The new bladder scanner was paid for by patient donations made to Grant 61, a research fund that is administered by the Royal Free Charity. 

Media contacts: Email rf.mediaenquiries@nhs.net or call 020 7830 2963.

About the Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust

The Royal Free began as a pioneering organisation and continues to play a leading role in the care of patients. Our mission is to provide world class expertise and local care. In the 21st century, the Royal Free London continues to lead improvements in healthcare. 

The Royal Free London attracts patients from across the country and beyond to its specialist services in liver, kidney and bone marrow transplantation, haemophilia, renal, HIV, infectious diseases, plastic surgery, immunology, vascular surgery, cardiology, amyloidosis and scleroderma and we are a member of the academic health science partnership UCLPartners.

In July 2014 Barnet Hospital and Chase Farm Hospital became part of the Royal Free London. Read our news story: A bigger trust, a better future.