1998/1999 Annual Review - Buildings and Environment

During 1998/99 the Trust completed the following developments:

• Installation of an additional bunker to accommodate the new linear accelerator radiotherapy treatment machine
• Redevelopment of the existing area to accommodate the new simulator
• Refurbishment of Dee Ward
• Extension to the modular building to relocate existing staff
• Upgrade of the out-patient department and establishment of a cancer information area

The following medical equipment was purchased during 1998/1999:

• Replacement of the high dose radiotherapy treatment machine
• Plato planning computer
• Brachytherapy computer
• 3 Defibrillators
• Various equipment for the treatment of colorectal cancer including: 20 walkmed ambulatory infusion pumps, flexible sigmoidoscope, auto disinfectant machine

Further developments planned for 1999/2000 include:

• Business case for an additional bunker
• Installation of the new simulator and linear accelerator radiotherapy treatment machine
• Upgrade of radiotherapy treatment corridor
• Replacement of the gamma camera

Year 2000 issues (Millennium Bug and Staffing)
A complete inventory of all equipment within CCO has been drawn up, and discussions have taken place with all equipment manufacturers. Individual testing has been carried out where appropriate. Where equipment has been identified as non-compliant, new equipment has been progressed or contingency plans have been developed based on the existing equipment. The only issue remaining is to upgrade the patient scheduling software by September, 1999.

Expenditure on year 2000 issues in 1998/99 was £170,000 and a further £50,000 has been planned for next year 1999/2000.

Arrangements are in place to provide additional cover over the new year period to handle any issues which arise as a result of failures on the part of the service suppliers, and to confirm the status of all equipment prior to commencement of general services after the holiday period.