QEH Launches Radiation Treatment on New Linear Accelerator

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital has reached a significant milestone in the advancement of cancer care, with the Oncology Department now delivering radiation therapy using the newly installed Linear Accelerator. This state-of-the-art system represents a major step forward in providing world-class, image-guided radiation treatment to patients in Barbados.

The Linear Accelerator uses advanced CT-based planning and daily imaging to ensure each treatment is delivered with exceptional precision and accuracy. Before radiation is administered, the clinical team verifies the patient’s position using real-time imaging, aligning it with the original plan to ensure the radiation beam targets the exact treatment area. This process—patient setup, image matching, and treatment delivery—is completed within minutes, increasing efficiency and improving the patient experience.

Clinicians have described the introduction of this technology as a “historic moment” for both the hospital and the nation. Beyond enhancing the quality of care, the new system positions the department to reduce waiting times significantly. With the ability to treat at least 25 patients each month, the Oncology team anticipates clearing the existing backlog within six months, while continuing to meet the needs of new cancer patients who require radiation therapy.

The upgrade also strengthens Barbados’ role as a regional healthcare provider. As capacity grows, the QEH expects to support patients from neighbouring Caribbean countries who may not have access to a medical linear accelerator in their home territories.

This development marks another important step in the QEH’s ongoing commitment to improving clinical services, modernising patient care, and expanding access to advanced treatment technologies. The hospital looks forward to continuing this progress as it shapes the future of cancer care in Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.