New linear accelerator brings ‘world-class cancer care’ to QEH

In a major milestone for cancer treatment, the Queen Elizabeth Hospital’s new radiation therapy machine has already begun treating cancer patients.

In October, the QEH received the Halcyon 4.0 Linear Accelerator (LINAC) — a cutting-edge system that will significantly enhance radiation therapy services for patients in Barbados and the wider Eastern Caribbean.

The new machine, with a price tag of $10 million, is just the first step toward “the transformation of Barbados’ healthcare”, Minister of Health Senator Jerome Walcott said as the new machine was inaugurated on Tuesday. He highlighted the importance of the machine in tackling the high rate of cancer deaths in Barbados.

“This morning’s launch is especially important at this time, when we in Barbados are faced with the scourge of NCDs and cancer, which are responsible for eight out of ten adult deaths. Further, the data shows that 25 per cent of these deaths are due to cancer, primarily cancers of the prostate, breast, and the colon,” he said. He added, “This advanced technology will bring a metamorphosis to the management of our cancer patients with greater precision, greater safety, and greater hope.”

Medical Physicist Corey Drakes detailed how the linear accelerator works: “The Halcyon LINAC brings a transformative leap forward, introducing high-quality CBCT imaging for precise tumour localisation. The use of modern techniques like intensity-modulated radiation therapy allows us to precisely conform the radiation to the lesion while sparing surrounding healthy tissues, and, of course, enhance safety systems to protect patients and staff.”

Senator Walcott explained what this means for patients: “The radiation beam can be shaped more closely around the cancer, sparing surrounding skin, healthy organs, and tissues from unnecessary exposure. It also means shorter, more comfortable treatment sessions, fewer side effects, and — most importantly — patients can approach treatment with confidence, knowing they are receiving care that meets the highest international standards while remaining here in Barbados with their families and loved ones.”

QEH Chief Executive Officer Neil Clarke described the commissioning of the Halcyon Linear Accelerator as “a landmark day for Barbados”, highlighting the benefits already being realised, including reduced waiting times for oncology care.

“What we are really unveiling today is action — action leading to better outcomes, shorter waiting times, and a future where cancer care in Barbados meets the highest international standards. Even before this new machine arrived, our oncology team had already begun transforming care,” Clarke said. “One of the most significant improvements this year has been the reduction in waiting times for cancer patients’ first outpatient appointments from 140 days to under 30 days. This is life-saving.”

He credited the oncology team for this achievement. Already, QEH has treated six patients with the Halcyon, with plans to clear a backlog of more than 100 within six months.

Drakes, who oversaw the installation and commissioning of the linear accelerator, described the launch as “a historic moment and a new era in cancer care. Barbados needed a system to deliver world-class radiotherapy at home,” noting that the new machine removes the need for patients to travel abroad and reduces delays that could affect outcomes.

He also emphasised the machine’s impact on efficiency and access. “This means shorter waiting times and world-class radiotherapy right here at home,” he said, adding that QEH is now positioned as a regional leader capable of supporting Caribbean collaboration, training, and standardised high-quality care.

Drakes, along with a radiation therapist, participated in a month-long train-the-trainers initiative in Washington to learn to use the linear accelerator.

He credited multiple local and international partners for the project’s success, including the International Atomic Energy Agency, Varian Medical Systems, Global Medica, and Washington University Hospital.
“This was a team effort from design and civil works to safety reviews and commissioning,” he said.

Highlighting the patient-centred focus of the project, Drakes noted that more than 150 people currently depend on radiotherapy at QEH, with about ten new patients added each month. “This is a celebration of patients and their courage. Today we begin a new chapter of precision, compassion, and innovation… the Halcyon becomes a lifeline.”

louriannegraham@barbadostoday.bb