A Spalding man was the first person in the county to use a new radiotherapy treatment machine that NHS staff say can save lives.
John Ralph, 77, was the first to use the Halcyon Linear Accelerator (LINAC) at Lincoln County Hospital.
It delivers external beam radiotherapy, using high-energy X-rays or electrons to destroy cancer cells while minimising damage to surrounding healthy tissue.
The new machine is initially being used to treat patients diagnosed with prostate cancer.
John, a retired accountant, was diagnosed with prostate cancer nine years ago after having a PSA test to check his prostate health
Last year, his condition progressed to a stage where further scans and a biopsy indicated that he needed radiotherapy.
John said: “I was concerned about side effects and how I would cope with the treatment, which I think is natural. But the actual treatment was quick, lasting only 10 to 15 minutes at a time, and I didn’t feel anything.
“The team was very helpful and attentive, and I couldn’t fault them.
“I would advocate for all men to get tested because, in my case, I wouldn’t have known I was ill without the PSA test. It could have taken much longer for symptoms to develop and give me enough concern to seek help.”
Paula Brown, Radiotherapy Services manager at ULTH, said: “I’m really excited that we can now offer this specialist radiotherapy treatment to suitable patients here in Lincolnshire.
“This brand-new unit allows for quicker treatment, as well as higher quality imaging which will allow us to use modern technology to reduce delays and improve treatment waiting times for other patients.”
