- 27 JUN 2020
Opening of The New Linear Accelerator (LINAC) Wing
Cancer patients can now benefit from critical treatment with the formal opening of the Linear Accelerator (LINAC) Wing at the St James Medical Complex today (Saturday 27 June, 2020). The multi-million-dollar Linear Accelerator machine at the new wing is the first of its kind in the public service in the English-speaking Caribbean.
Prime Minister Dr the Hon Keith Rowley was on hand for the official opening of the facility which will allow for the customised delivery of radiation therapy.
A linear accelerator is programmed to deliver high-energy X-rays that conform to the specific size, shape and location of a tumour. In this way, the LINAC can target and destroy cancerous cells in a precise area of a patient’s body with minimal exposure to the surrounding healthy tissue.
The wing was named after one of the longest-serving doctors in the public service, Dr Hess Benjamin. Dr Benjamin is also the Specialist Medical Officer, Oncology. The Prime Minister praised Dr Benjamin for his decades of unwavering commitment to delivering quality health care.
