First Proton Beam machine arrives at the Newport Clinic

Proton beam therapy is said to be the new revolution of treating some very hard to reach cancers such as,spinal tumors and brain tumors.With Proton beam therapy,which is a highly targeted type of radiotherapy,patients can now have lower risk of damaging their surrounding tissue and with lesser side effects.


The cancer treating beam has been received by P.P.I(Proton Partners International)at it's Rutherford Cancer Center and according to P.P.I,the Proton beam machine will be the most advanced type of cancer machinery in the U.K and will transform treatment for about 500 patients a year.

Chief Executive of P.P.I,Mike Moran said the project was the best thing that could have happened to the U.K in decades:

''It is significant for the people of Wales to have high energy Proton beam therapy available,it is the most strategic health project in this country in decades.''

He also added that with the Proton beam therapy,patients will easily have improved clinical outcomes and better time management unlike before where patients spend over six weeks abroad just to access the Proton beam therapy.

After installation of the machine,it will be up and running next year and treatment at the center will be made available to medically insured private patients,self paying patients and patients referred by N.H.S.

According to the Welsh government,the Proton beam therapy will be available to N.H.S.Whales patients with certain cancers.

Reports say about 140 patients are sent abroad within a year from across N.H.S monthly to the U.S and Switzerland at a very high cost of about £114,000 each.With the new Proton beam therapy center in Newport,it is believed to cut the high cost and for patients to be closer to their families while accessing treatment.