QEH to begin advanced cancer care in September

The Queen Elizabeth Hospital (QEH) is set to begin delivering advanced cancer treatment on its long-awaited linear accelerator as early as September, senior officials confirmed on Friday.

Corey Drakes, project coordinator and QEH physicist, said the installation of the state-of-the-art radiotherapy machine is scheduled for mid-August.

“We can expect a final site visit at the end of July. After that, once everything is satisfactory, we will proceed with the rigging and installation. That’s scheduled to take place in the middle of August, and we can expect our first treatment somewhere between mid to late September 2025,” Drakes told a media briefing at the hospital’s boardroom.

Chief Executive Officer Neil Clark acknowledged recent public concern over delays in the project and explained that the hospital intentionally imported the equipment early to avoid shipping and customs delays, while site preparations were still underway.

“Progress has been impacted by two key factors… the extended timeline associated with the procurement of the necessary civil works [and] the structural and remedial works required to house and operate the machine have also taken longer than anticipated,” he said.

“These works are complex and involve specialised engineering and different subcontractors to ensure compliance with international safety and performance standards for radiotherapy equipment.”

Clark stressed that the delays were not due to inaction but rather a deliberate effort to ensure the facility meets global best practices.

The CEO said the QEH has continued to support cancer patients through overseas treatment arrangements in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Wellness, “ensuring no one is left without care”.

“When operational, this linear accelerator will significantly expand our capacity to deliver high-quality cancer care right here in Barbados,” he added.

The officials reported that 99 per cent of the civil works are complete and preparations for installation are in their final stages.
Once operational, the linear accelerator will mark a major milestone in Barbados’ cancer treatment infrastructure. (SM)