Jacob Curran and Lincoln County Hospital’s radiotherapy department win big at the Society of Radiographers Awards for work on tattoo-less treatment

A team of hospital staff is celebrating success thanks to its pioneering radiotherapy work.

Lincoln County Hospital’s Radiotherapy Department was named ‘Team of the Year’ at the Society of Radiographers Awards for Yorkshire and North Trent Region this month.

The recognition comes from the group’s work on tattoo-less radiotherapy as well as the use of open masks for treatment, something which is now general practice for all patients.

Before, radiotherapy patients would get three small tattoos to help staff accurately align their bodies during treatment, and although this method was effective, the tattoos often served as a reminder of the patient's illness forever.

Now it is no longer needed as the department figured out a way to use advanced 3D camera technology to precisely position its patients.

As well as the team, individuals also got to taste the spotlight during the ceremony including Radiographer Jacob Curran who was crowned Professional of the Year.

“Winning the regional award recognises the positive impact open masks and tattoo-less therapy have had on patients and reinforces our commitment to set a new standard for radiotherapy across the country,” he said.

Jacob and the team will now move on to represent the United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (ULTH) at a national level where they will receive their trophies.

Paula Brown, Radiotherapy Services Manager, said: “I am incredibly proud of the team's accomplishments and how we have improved patient care.

“We are honoured to represent Lincolnshire and the region on the national stage.”