The Radiotherapy Department is situated within the Berkshire Cancer Centre (BCC), along with further service provision at the Royal Berkshire Bracknell Clinic.
Between the two radiotherapy sites at Reading and Bracknell, the department is well equipped with two CT scanners and virtual simulation software systems, a superficial X-ray unit, a high dose Brachytherapy unit, and four Elekta Linear Accelerators with the provision of external beam radiotherapy. These machines are operated by radiographers, offering complex treatment delivery whilst utilising high-energy radiation to target cancer cells across a variety of tumour sites.
Radiotherapy is the provision of high energy ionizing radiation treatment to control or destroy malignant cancer cells and can be curative or palliative, depending on the patient’s histology and staging. A variety of cancer types and sites can be treated with radiotherapy, allowing its provision to reach the wider cancer population. Each treatment is delivered using a linear accelerator machine.
Radiotherapy is categorised under the Oncology speciality, and can be delivered in conjunction with other cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and surgery.
The department currently provides the following types of radiotherapy, depending on each patient’s individual treatment regime.
All patients receiving a course of radiotherapy will have the opportunity to discuss their treatment plan with their Consultant, and the Radiographers.
We have a variety of staff, including clinical practitioners, and specialities for advanced clinical practice including: education and training; research and development; image guided radiation therapy; brachytherapy; superficial radiotherapy; dosimetry and radiotherapy planning; on treatment support for cancer patients; and localisation and planning for palliative care.
The department also contributes to the training of the future radiographer workforce through its provision of undergraduate clinical placements for students from the University of Hertfordshire.
Monday - Friday (8.00am - 5pm)
The nearest car park is the London Road car park. For patients on regular treatment schedules in radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the department will issue a car parking permit for the length of your treatment. Disabled parking is available on West Drive, which can be accessed via Redlands Road.
Radiotherapy Services Manager: Paula Horne
Radiotherapy Operational Manager: Charlotte Avery
Directorate Manager: Chris Lowrie
Refreshment points
For general enquiries please contact:
The Radiotherapy Department
Berkshire Cancer Centre
Royal Berkshire Hospital
London Road
Reading
RG1 5AN
Telephone: 0118 322 7872
For patient queries regarding Radiotherapy treatment side effects please contact our on Treatment Review Radiographers: 0118 322 8869
Social Media
Keep up-to-date with radiotherapy service improvements and department updates:
Twitter: @BCCRadiotherapy
Instagram: BccRadiotherapy
Facebook: BCC Radiotherapy RBNHSFT
Videos