Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is a treatment which is usually given in hospital, where radiation is used to kill cancer cells.  It can be used to:

  • try to cure the cancer completely (curative radiotherapy)
  • make other treatments more effective – for example, it can be combined with chemotherapy or used before surgery (neo-adjuvant radiotherapy)
  • reduce the risk of the cancer coming back after surgery (adjuvant radiotherapy)
  • relieve symptoms if a cure is not possible (palliative radiotherapy).

The Radiotherapy EAG acts as an expert consultative body for the West Midlands Cancer Alliance (WMCA) on issues regarding the development and delivery of radiotherapy services for the region. It has delegated authority from the WMCA board for agreed decision making.

The overall aims of the EAG are to provide specialist advice and guidance to the WMCA board on the standards of service for patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment reflecting current best practice and opportunities for development. It also supports the Network in achieving its aims and objectives. 

The EAG also provides updates and assurances to the Network Oversight Group (NOG).  This is a higher level, strategic group, where senior trust management representatives ensure that changes to radiotherapy services are aligned with other Trust processes. The NOG, which meets quarterly, is chaired by Dr Lydia Fresco, Clinical Director of the WMCA.

EAG meetings are held at least quarterly and comprise radiotherapy service leads representing each of the six provider NHS trusts.  The EAG also has a research and clinical trials lead, and two patient advocates, as core members.

Chair:  Claire Bode, Radiotherapy Service Manager, Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust

Deputy Chair:  Melissa Cowell, Head of Radiotherapy, The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust

The West Midlands Radiotherapy Network

In 2020, the Network was established to deliver NHS England’s vision and ambitions for the modernisation of radiotherapy services as described in the national service specification. The Network works closely with the West Midlands Cancer Alliance (WMCA), the six West Midlands Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) and with specialised commissioners. This is to ensure optimal access for its population to evidence-based, high quality radiotherapy services.  The Network is managed by Patricia Barnett.  

Visit The Radiotherapy Network

Radiotherapy resources (including protocols and clinical trials)

All resources and protocols can be found on the West Midlands Radiotherapy Network website.

Please email queries regarding resources to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Additional information

Find out more about the common types of radiotherapy treatment, the main roles within radiotherapy services, and radiotherapy centres in the West Midlands below:

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