The Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro is celebrating the replacement of two new Linear Accelerators in the Sunrise Centre in the last 16 months. Linear Accelerators, or LINACS, are used in the treatment of cancers, delivering high-energy, high-precision radiation therapy. Together, the commissioning of these two medical devices will ensure the continued outstanding and timely care of cancer patients across Cornwall.
The first Linear Accelerator, in the Crantock Suite (LA5), opened to patients in September 2025. This LINAC is also fitted with Hypersight software, generously funded by the Sunrise Appeal. This enables the LINAC to provide world-leading precision imagery for treatment to be delivered with pinpoint accuracy, and in less time, which is more comfortable for patients and more efficient for the service.
The much-needed replacement of the second linear accelerator at the Royal Cornwall Hospital was brought forward by a year, following an award of £2.61 million from NHS England’s national radiotherapy equipment replacement fund. The new Mullion Suite (LA6) opened to patients on Monday 30 March 2026.
“Having not just one, but two, brand new state-of-the-art linear accelerators installed is a real game changer in helping us to reduce cancer waiting times in Cornwall and provide continued outstanding care to our patients,” says Savvas Rizkalla, Head of Radiotherapy Physics at RCHT. “Linacs are very clever and versatile medical devices, in that they use high-energy electron beams to treat cancers with pinpoint accuracy. Huge thanks to everyone who has made this happen: NHS England’s National Capital Fund, RCHT’s Capital Fund, the Sunrise Appeal for its generous £400,000 Hypersight donation, and RCHT Charity which has provided the finishing touches, including skylights and murals, that really help to improve the patient experience.”
Janet Shephard, Trustee of the Sunrise Appeal, comments: "We're incredibly grateful to our supporters. Without them, this kind of cutting-edge cancer treatment simply wouldn't be possible. We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to every donor, volunteer and fundraiser who continue to help us keep world-class treatment in Cornwall."
Anna Cairns, RCHT Charity Director says: “We fund the extras that the NHS budget doesn’t stretch to; the things that lift spirits, enhance care, and make a real difference to patients, families and staff. We funded these murals and skylights to create a calmer, more welcoming environment that reduces patient anxiety, improves comfort during treatment, and supports a more positive overall experience for both patients and staff.”
The Sunrise Centre at RCHT opened in 2002 and is the only radiotherapy centre in Cornwall. It sees about 2,000 new patients and delivers more than 1,800 courses of radiotherapy every year.
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