Radiotherapy service

Due to the complexity of radiotherapy services delivery across three centres, all patients can be affected, but primarily patients receiving treatment for breast and prostate cancer.

Radiotherapy services are facing challenges. This is due to a combination of rising demand, ongoing shortages of specialist staff, and radiotherapy machine availability. As a result, patient waiting times for radiotherapy treatment may be longer than we would like.

As a temporary measure to help address this, patients with breast or prostate cancer may be referred to other trusted centres in and outside of Sussex to ensure they don’t have to wait any longer than necessary to begin their treatment. This approach helps to reduce waiting times and ease the pressure across our UHSussex units, allowing patients with more complex needs to be seen more quickly. In the longer term, we are expanding our specialist team to increase capacity and improve access for all patients. 

A team of cancer specialists will review every case to formulate a plan and timeline for radiotherapy treatment. Patients will be involved in the decision making and be will closely monitored by their dedicated consultant oncologist throughout the treatment process, ensuring their care remains coordinated. We will also ensure patients don’t have to travel for follow-up appointments or other parts of their future treatment.

Yes, it will be. All centres we work with are approved NHS providers that follow the same national guidelines and quality standards for radiotherapy treatment.

Patients who are currently eligible for NHS hospital transport will continue to have access to this service if they are required to attend a different radiotherapy treatment centre.

More generally, for concerns or questions about transport, patients should speak to their clinical nurse specialist who can provide advice and signpost to support where available.

That may be possible, depending on an individual’s clinical situation and the expected delay. The dedicated clinical oncologist will talk through the risks and benefits of all options to help patient’s make an informed choice. 

It’s completely understandable to feel frustrated and worried – and we appreciate our patients understanding during this time. Please know that our cancer support nurses are on hand to answer questions, update on treatment plans, or provide emotional support when it’s needed. Patients are also encouraged to speak to them to access psychological services.

Once patients have discussed their treatment options with their oncologist, they will be contacted by our patient access team via a phone call or letter to confirm their appointment dates. Our clinical nurse specialists can help with discussing questions in the meantime.