Hospital unit to host public open day

A RARE behind-the-scenes look around a Leeds hospital department has been organised to celebrate a famous scientist.

In celebration of the centenary of Marie Curie receiving the Nobel Prize in 1911, the Radiotherapy Department at St James’s University Hospital is holding an open day for the public as one of a number of events for the Year of Radiotherapy in 2011.

Held on Saturday, June 25 from 11am to 3pm, it will give the public the chance for a behind-the-scenes glance into the high-tech world of radiotherapy in the £230m St James’s Institute of Oncology.

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The department, in the basement of Bexley Wing, will be allowing access to all areas, with a guided tour by the radiographers of facilities including the multi-million pound linear accelerator chambers, which hold some of the most sophisticated cancer treatment machines in the world.

A hospital spokesman said: “Unsure what radiotherapy is? Interested in knowing more about how the machines work? Or even considered a career in radiotherapy? Everybody is welcome to come along and find out.”

Julie Owens, radiotherapy manager at Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said it was a chance to learn more about radiotherapy.

She said: “Radiotherapy in different forms has been used for over 100 years but the public still know very little about what it involves.

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“Radiotherapy has a vital role in treatment of many types of cancer and we are hoping that the open day will give us the opportunity to let people know more about its role in cancer treatment and the vital difference it makes to thousands of patients every year.”

The day will host various stands such as information about how radiotherapy is delivered, the history of radiotherapy as well as tours around the machines.

Members of the public interested in receiving more information about this event can contact 0113 20 67603.

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