1 December 2006
Stockholm, Sweden. Elekta (STO:EKTAB), a world leader
in advanced radiation therapy solutions and oncology software systems,
has been selected to supply the new Somerset Oncology & Haematology
Centre in south west England with two linear accelerators for radiation
treatment as well as software solutions for treatment planning and
information management.
The
Centre, which is at Taunton & Somerset NHS Trust's Musgrove Park
Hospital, is due to open in the spring of 2009. 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.
The contract is a private finance initiative (PFI) Managed Equipment
Service arrangement. Under the contract, 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.
As part of the initial, approx. SEK110 million, order to be booked in
the company's third quarter of fiscal year 2006/07, Elekta will equip
the new centre 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.
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."
"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 centre 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.