Windsor Regional Hospital announced another milestone for cancer care in the region with a new radiation treatment linear accelerator (LINAC) launching this week. Currently, WRH performs approximately 30,000 radiation treatments annually. Bringing this new LINAC online allows for the necessary replacement of existing radiation machines which have reached the end of their lifespans. This is the second of three total machines being replaced. As upgrades continue, the final outdated LINAC will be decommissioned next week with a goal of having the final replacement LINAC fully operational by February 2027. Hospital officials say a LINAC is the standard, modern device for external beam radiation therapy, delivering high-energy X-rays or electrons to destroy cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. It rotates around the patient to target tumors from multiple angles, using advanced imaging techniques. “This state-of-the-art technology will help our radiation oncology team deliver highly precise, advanced treatments for patients close to home — supporting better care, improved access, and hope for patients and families when they need it most,” said a news release from the hospital. The project got a boost through a $30-million investment by the Ontario Government which also included funding for a new Cardiac Catheterization Lab at Ouellette Campus which had its grand opening last week.
