ON TIME AND UNDER BUDGET - NEW CHRISTIE RADIOTHERAPY CENTRE READY TO OPEN IN OLDHAM

2.02.47pm GMT Fri 12th Mar 2010

World-class cancer treatment and research services will now be available in Oldham at the new radiotherapy centre run in cooperation by The Christie and Pennine NHS trust.

The new centre will be home to two new radiotherapy machines where Christie doctors, specialist radiographers, nurses and other medical experts will be able to treat up to 70 people a day. This will supplement the approximately 400 patients per day treated at the main Christie site in Withington.

The new centre in Oldham is the first in a network of radiotherapy centres that will mean cancer sufferers from across Greater Manchester will no longer have to make long journeys into south Manchester to The Christie. The network will also allow researchers and scientists to expand on the excellent work that they do.

During a preview tour of the centre in Oldham this morning, MP John Leech said:

"I am so pleased that this new centre is ready to open, on time and under budget.

"This centre, as the first in a network of satellite radiotherapy centres, is exactly how The Christie envisaged their expansion. I am delighted to have been able to support The Christie's efforts over the last five years and to see the vision finally come to fruition."

Local patients from Oldham, Rochdale, North Manchester, Middleton and Tameside will be treated at the centre at the Royal Oldham Hospital from Tuesday 16th March onwards.

John Leech added:

"The investment in further radiotherapy centres around Greater Manchester will mean that more patients will be able to be treated. With this, the standard of research and experience of scientists here will further advance."

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