The UK’s NHS Supply Chain (NHSSC) has signed an order to acquire linear accelerators (linacs) and software from Elekta for a total value of GBP21.5m. The order was booked in the fourth quarter of Elekta’s fiscal year (2015-16).

The order includes Elekta Synergylinacs with Agility multileaf collimators for high speed beam shaping. The Synergy linacs also include VMAT, which improves radiation therapy treatment speed and dose reduction to the patient.

Andy Brown, Managing Director of NHS Supply Chain Capital Solutions, says: "The Capital Team supports patient care by delivering the latest equipment at the best value. These systems are a key part of delivering world class cancer care and by using the Department of Health’s Capital Equipment fund to support the bulk procurement with Elekta Ltd, we have released greater value for trusts and savings back to the NHS."

François Pointurier, Senior Vice President, Region Europe and AFLAME at Elekta says: "This order comes on the tail of a recent study in the Green Journal (Radiotherapy & Oncology) titled ‘Radiotherapy in Europe: An unmet need?’ Elekta is delighted to be part of the solution by supporting the NHS in their investment to address this situation and help improve the lives of patients with cancer in the UK."

Paddy Greally, Elekta’s Managing Director for the UK and Ireland, says: "Elekta is delighted to continue our relationship with NHSSC and our long-term commitment to radiotherapy in the UK. We are especially proud to deliver this equipment to treat cancer from our international linac manufacturing site in Crawley."

All equipment and software will be delivered over the next 24 months.

Elekta is a human care company pioneering significant innovations and clinical solutions for treating cancer and brain disorders.
The company develops sophisticated, state-of-the-art tools and treatment planning systems for radiation therapy, radiosurgery and brachytherapy, as well as workflow enhancing software systems across the spectrum of cancer care.

Stretching the boundaries of science and technology, providing intelligent and resource-efficient solutions that offer confidence to both health care providers and patients, Elekta aims to improve, prolong and even save patient lives.