Two New Linear Accelerators Installed at Royal Cornwall Hospital

The Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro is marking a major step forward in cancer care after installing two new Linear Accelerators at the Sunrise Centre over the past 16 months.

These machines, known as LINACs, are used to deliver high-energy, high-precision radiation therapy for cancer treatment. The hospital says the addition of both devices will help ensure continued timely care for patients across Cornwall.

Two new machines now in use

The first of the new machines, located in the Crantock Suite (LA5), began treating patients in September 2025. It includes Hypersight software, funded by the Sunrise Appeal, which allows for highly detailed imaging. This helps clinicians deliver treatment with pinpoint accuracy while reducing the time patients spend undergoing therapy.

The second machine, based in the Mullion Suite (LA6), opened to patients on Monday 30th March 2026. Its installation was brought forward by a year after the hospital secured £2.61 million from NHS England’s national radiotherapy equipment replacement fund.

A boost for cancer care in Cornwall

Savvas Rizkalla, Head of Radiotherapy Physics at RCHT, said: “Having not just one, but two, brand new state-of-the-art linear accelerators installed is a real game changer in helping us to reduce cancer waiting times in Cornwall and provide continued outstanding care to our patients.

“Linacs are very clever and versatile medical devices, in that they use high-energy electron beams to treat cancers with pinpoint accuracy. Huge thanks to everyone who has made this happen: NHS England’s National Capital Fund, RCHT’s Capital Fund, the Sunrise Appeal for its generous £400,000 Hypersight donation, and RCHT Charity which has provided the finishing touches, including skylights and murals, that really help to improve the patient experience.”

Support from charities and donors

Janet Shephard, Trustee of the Sunrise Appeal, added: “We’re incredibly grateful to our supporters. Without them, this kind of cutting-edge cancer treatment simply wouldn’t be possible. We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to every donor, volunteer and fundraiser who continue to help us keep world-class treatment in Cornwall.”

Anna Cairns, RCHT Charity Director, explained the role of additional funding: “We fund the extras that the NHS budget doesn’t stretch to; the things that lift spirits, enhance care, and make a real difference to patients, families and staff. We funded these murals and skylights to create a calmer, more welcoming environment that reduces patient anxiety, improves comfort during treatment, and supports a more positive overall experience for both patients and staff.”

Serving Cornwall for over two decades

The Sunrise Centre first opened in 2002 and remains the only radiotherapy centre in Cornwall. It treats around 2,000 new patients each year and delivers more than 1,800 courses of radiotherapy annually.

With both new LINACs now operational, the hospital says patients can expect faster, more precise treatment as services continue to improve.