Heads of Radiotherapy
Peter Enever
Head of Radiotherapy
Sarah Whittle
Deputy Head of Radiotherapy
Operational Leads
Richard Garratt
Radiotherapy Operational Lead
Alex Pyett
Radiotherapy Operational Lead
Education Lead
Sarah Hind
Radiotherapy Education Lead
Mould Room Technician
The role of a mould room technician is to create custom-made equipment that helps keep you still and in the correct position during your radiotherapy treatment.
One of the most common things which a mould room technician makes is a special mask, usually for people having treatment to the head or neck area. The mask is made from a soft plastic material that becomes flexible when warmed up. They gently shape it to fit your face and head, and it hardens as it cools — creating a comfortable, snug fit.
This mask doesn’t hurt and only takes a few minutes to make. It’s used during each treatment session to help ensure the radiation is delivered precisely to the right spot every time, keeping the healthy tissues around it as safe as possible.
Mould room technicians will be with you during the process, explaining each step and making sure you’re comfortable the whole time
Pre-Treatment Radiographer
The job of a pre-treatment radiographer is to help get everything ready before your radiotherapy starts. This part of the process is very important to make sure your treatment is accurate and tailored specifically to you.
You will meet a pre-treatment radiographer at your planning appointment. This is where you have a CT and/or an MRI planning scan. These scans are done to map out the area that needs to be treated.
During the scan, they will make sure you’re in the right position, help you stay as still and comfortable as possible, and mark your skin or mask so we can line you up in exactly the same way each time. The pre-treatment radiographer will also be the person to give you your permanent tattoos.
They will also explain what to expect from your treatment, answer your questions, and make sure you feel supported and informed before your treatment begins.
Therapeutic Radiographers
The role of a therapeutic radiographer is to deliver your radiotherapy treatment. Before your treatment starts, therapeutic radiographers work closely with doctors, physicists, and other team members to create a treatment plan tailored specifically to you. During your treatment sessions, the therapeutic radiographers operate the machines, make sure you’re positioned correctly, and monitor how you’re doing using the cameras we have within the room. Therapeutic radiographers are here to answer your questions, help manage any side effects, and support you throughout your treatment journey.
Radiotherapy Planning Team
The role of the radiotherapy planning team is to carefully plan exactly how your radiotherapy will be delivered, making sure it’s as safe and effective as possible.
After your After your CT and/or MRI planning scan has been completed. They work closely with your doctor (the clinical oncologist) and other specialists to map out the exact area that needs to be treated. They use advanced computer software to design a treatment plan that delivers the right dose of radiation to the cancer, while protecting the surrounding healthy tissues and organs as much as possible.
Every plan is unique and tailored to your body and your specific type of cancer. The aim is to give you the most effective treatment with the fewest side effects. You won’t usually see members of the radiotherapy planning treatment during your treatment, but they are an important part of the team working behind the scenes to ensure your care is precise and safe.
Speech and Language Therapist
Speech and Language Therapist are trained to assess and advise about people’s ability to swallow and speak. They may assess you before starting radiotherapy or they might become involved in your care if you have problems.
Dietitian
Oncology dietitians work in the Radiotherapy department. They can assess what nutrition advice you need, to help with your treatment and quality of life. This may include making the most of what you are eating, supporting you with your weight and strength, or using special nutrition if required
Radiotherapy Technicians
This is a specialist team of radiotherapy technologists who make sure every piece of equipment is safe, accurate, and working exactly as it should. Their work is essential to delivering reliable, high-quality treatment.
These specialists:
- Carry out daily, weekly, and monthly safety checks
- Ensure the radiation beam is the correct strength and shape
- Confirm that all safety systems are working
- Fix anything that could affect treatment accuracy
You won’t usually see them, but they are constantly checking that everything meets strict national safety standards.
Patient Support
The Radiotherapy Patient Support team (made up of specialist radiographers and a specialist nurse) are there to provide practical and emotional support to patients with additional needs. This could be for example patients living with dementia, mental illness, claustrophobia, learning disabilities, neurodivergence and many other conditions.
They will work closely with the rest of the Radiotherapy team, consultants and specialist nurses. The aim is to help patients navigate their way through the complexities of their radiotherapy treatment, by tailoring support to each individual’s needs.
Review Clinic Nurses
Our radiotherapy nurses at the Princess Royal Review Clinic play an essential role in providing specialised care and support to patients undergoing radiotherapy. They are dedicated to ensuring that patients receive comprehensive care throughout their treatment, both physically and emotionally.
Radiotherapy nurses are involved in patient assessment before, during, and after treatment. They help to explain the treatment process, address any concerns, and ensure that patients understand what to expect at each stage. Additionally, they provide guidance on managing potential side effects and offer advice on maintaining general well-being during treatment.
Apprentices and Students
As a teaching hospital, we are committed to advancing healthcare through education and training. This means that, as part of your care, you may encounter students and apprentices who are learning under the supervision of experienced professionals. These individuals are pursuing careers in Radiotherapy and are gaining hands-on experience to ensure they are fully prepared for their roles in patient care.
Please be assured that all students and apprentices work closely with qualified healthcare professionals, who oversee their work to ensure the highest standards of care are maintained. Your privacy, comfort, and safety are always our top priorities, and any interactions with students or apprentices will be done with your consent and in a respectful, professional manner.
If you have any concerns or questions regarding their involvement in your care, please feel free to discuss them with any member of the team. We greatly appreciate your understanding and support in helping us contribute to the training of future healthcare professionals.