ELEKTA SELECTED TO EQUIP NEW UK CANCER CENTER IN 30-YEAR PFI CONTRACT
Stockholm, Sweden, November 29, 2006
Cancer patients in the southwest of England are to benefit from improved availability and the most modern radiotherapy treatments thanks to the new Somerset Oncology & Haematology Centre, at Taunton & Somerset NHS Trust’s Musgrove Park Hospital, which is due to open in the spring of 2009. Elekta, world leader in advanced radiation therapy solutions and oncology software systems, has been selected to supply the new unit with two linear accelerators for radiation treatment as well as software solutions for treatment planning and information management.
The availability of local radiotherapy services and Musgrove Park based consultant oncologists will substantially improve the service for cancer patients from Somerset. The new centre will provide radiotherapy treatment for approximately 1200 patients each year.
As part of the initial, approx. SEK 110 million, order to be booked in the company's third quarter of fiscal year 2006/07, Elekta will equip the new center with two Elekta Synergy® platform digital linear accelerators, allowing clinicians to carry out IMRT (intensity modulated radiation therapy) to enable higher precision treatments, and prepared to be field upgraded to full 3D image guided radiation therapy (IGRT). Included in the order are also Elekta’s PrecisePLAN® treatment planning system with comprehensive 3D and IMRT planning software as well as a full suite of information management software from IMPAC Medical Systems, an Elekta company.
As part of the PFI Managed Equipment Service arrangement, Elekta will be responsible for equipment maintenance and replacements during the lifetime of the 30-year agreement. Elekta will also supply and manage all of the quality assurance equipment for the full life cycle of this contract.
David Allwright, Director of Planning and Facilities at Musgrove Park Hospital, said; “We are all extremely pleased that the new Oncology & Haematology Centre is now a reality and not just a vision. This shows that Musgrove Park Hospital is committed to improving quality for patients. Elekta was a natural choice as lead supplier, since the company has a recognized technology leadership and the ability to provide comprehensive state-of-the-art solutions for treatment equipment, treatment planning, and information management software solutions.”
“This is a true partnership and a comprehensive long-term solution for the Trust”, said David Belcher, Elekta’s European PFI Director. “We have built up an excellent relationship with Taunton and Somerset NHS Trust and are looking forward to build upon this to make Musgrove Park Hospital a center of excellence.”
Earlier in 2005 and 2006, Elekta has been selected as equipment supplier in other PFI contracts - including St. James’ Hospital, at The Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
“The 30 year PFI Managed Equipment Service arrangement with Taunton and Somerset NHS Trust is yet another proof of Elekta’s strong position in the United Kingdom”, said Olof Sandén Vice President and Elekta’s Regional Manager for Europe. “Collaborations between public and private financiers will become more common not only in the UK, but throughout Europe. Elekta’s ability to provide comprehensive and integrated solutions, yet based on industry standards and open connectivity, makes us an attractive partner in such projects”, Sandén concludes.
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