When you arrive at level minus 2, pink zone please bypass the electronic check-in, and the first oncology outpatients' reception desk.

Make your way to the radiotherapy reception desk.

Once you are checked in, you will be directed to the main radiotherapy treatment waiting area.

Note: If you have been asked to complete any pre-treatment preparation, ie. Bladder or Bowel preparation, we ask that you check for any appointment delays before you start. Then please follow any instructions given at the planning appointment.​

For any queries relating to preparation, please speak to a member of staff when you arrive.​

The radiographers will call your full name over a Tannoy (loud speaker) and ask you to come to a specific sub-waiting area. You will be called in for treatment when it is your turn. If you are in a wheelchair, or don't hear your name called, please don't worry, we will come to find you.

To help us to keep to time and ensure clothing is not obstructing our procedures, you will be asked to change into a gown. You will need to remove all clothing covering the area of the body we are treating. You can bring your own long dressing gown if you wish. There are changing areas available in all areas.

If you need any clarification on whether you need to change, what clothing to remove, or if you need directions to the changing areas, please ask any member of staff.

Therapeutic Radiographers.​

In Poole hospital we have 3 treatment machines (linear accelerators – or linacs) all named after landmarks called Chesil, Furzey and Shell Bay. In Dorchester, at the Dorset county hospital we have 1 radiotherapy linac machine called West Bay. The machine you will be on will be printed on your appointment list.​

All 4 machines are Varian Truebeam Linear Accelerators and look like this:

We also have a superficial radiotherapy machine called Durdle. You may be booked on this machine if you have a superficial skin cancer.

Each appointment will take between 10-30 minutes. For most of that time the therapeutic radiographers will be getting you in the same position as you were in for your planning appointment.

SGRT (Surface Guided Radiotherapy) is an advanced form of technology used on our linear accelerator (linac) treatment machines at UHD. It allows us to position you accurately without the need for permanent tattoos on your skin. When getting you in the correct position for your treatment, you may see a harmless red light projected onto your skin. You can close your eyes if you wish.​

Once we are happy with your position, we will leave you alone and go next door to the control room. There may be a period where nothing seems to be happening. This is where we are making our checks and getting the machine ready. We will watch you on CCTV. You will be given instructions on how to call for help if required.

Before the treatment begins, we will use the treatment machine to take some 3D pictures of your internal anatomy (CBCT). We compare these pictures against your planning CT scan to check that your treatment will be given accurately. If tiny micro-adjustments are required to make your treatment more accurate, you may feel and hear the couch moving slightly.​

When we are happy that the treatment will be accurate, we will switch on the treatment beam. You will not feel anything during the delivery of radiotherapy as it is an x-ray treatment. You might hear a buzzing noise when the treatment beam is on. Surface guided technology means that we can monitor your position closely throughout each treatment. The machine will automatically switch off if you are out of position at any time.​

If you are booked on Chesil, Furzey or West Bay, the treatment machine will move around you under our guidance. It will not touch you.​

If you are having radiotherapy on Durdle, the radiographers will place the machine gently, but firmly in direct contact with the skin for the duration of the treatment. Treatment on Durdle can take around 1-10 minutes but you will be in the room for around 20 minutes.

You will be monitored closely by your therapeutic radiographers. You will be asked how you are getting on and you can let us know if you have any questions or if you need help to manage side effects at any time. We can also arrange for you to be seen by a specialist radiographer, consultant or other specialist team should you have any problems during your course of treatment. Please don't suffer in silence – we are here to help you!!​

Unless you have been informed otherwise, you will receive a follow-up appointment to see a consultant, review radiographer or consultant radiographer. Typically, this will be 4-6 weeks after completion of your radiotherapy course. If you need help and advice between the end of radiotherapy finishing, and your follow-up you can find our helpline information here.​

Dental advice

If you are having radiotherapy which includes the mouth area you will have a dental check up before planning to assess your teeth. Some patients will need dental work completed before having radiotherapy planning and treatment. You will be informed by the head and neck team if this applies to you prior to receiving your radiotherapy planning appointment.​

You will get a prescription for a special toothpaste and mouth wash which can be continued by your GP.​

Keeping still for radiotherapy​

When delivering radiotherapy to the head and neck it is important that the head is kept as still as possible for the duration of the treatment. To achieve this, we may need to make a mask (shell) to wear during your treatment.

A mask is made by heating a piece of flat plastic in a waterbath for a couple of minutes until it is warm and flexible. It is then stretched over the head and neck area and smoothed around your features. It takes a few minutes to dry and harden. The mask feels a bit wet and warm when it is made but you will be able to breathe normally through holes in the material.

Your mask must fit your face perfectly. If you have long facial hair, you can help us to make a well-fitting mask by trimming very short or by shaving off before your planning appointment.​

You will wear the mask again for up to 20 minutes during each treatment.

Will I have an injection during the scan?

Most patients having planning for radiotherapy to the brain, head or neck regions will require an injection of contrast dye to be given during the scan.

If this is required, the radiographers will explain the process when you arrive.

The CT Planning Scan​

You will need to lie on a special inclined board with arms raised above your head. It is important to continue with any arm exercises as recommended after surgery. This will help you increase your arm mobility and reduce muscle tension when we position you. If you're uncomfortable, let the radiographers know as soon as possible —they can adjust your position.​

We will need to uncover your chest completely for this procedure as we use skin surface guided technology to ensure you are positioned correctly.

The planning scan itself will take around 15-20 mins.

Will I need to hold my breath?​

We will ask you to try holding your breath for your scan if you are having radiotherapy treatment to the following areas:​

• Left Breast​
• Left Chest Wall​
• Treatment to the internal mammary chain (IMC)

The radiographers will coach you to hold your breath for up to 20 seconds during your scan. If you are able to do this consistently for the planning appointment, you will be asked to do the same thing during the delivery of the radiotherapy treatment.

You can find videos and resources on the RESPIRE website which will help you to prepare.​

Some patients are not suitable for a breath-hold technique (DIBH). If this is the case, we will discuss this with you at the scan​.

Will I have an injection during the scan?

You will not have an injection during this scan.

Preparing for the planning scan​

We will send you an appointment letter, or phone you at least 5 days in advance of the CT planning appointment with the required information if you need to prepare for the scan.​

I have been told I need a full bladder and empty bowel for the scan. What can I do to prepare?​

At least 5 days before your scan

• Drink plenty of fluids, ideally two litres a day (unless on fluid restriction). Water or squash is best.​
• Try to avoid eating foods/ drinks which are known to make you gassy (eg baked beans, cabbage, spinach, fizzy drinks).
• Eat regular meals
• Drink and chew slowly​

On the day of the scan

• Continue with good hydration. Drinking water regularly until your appointment.
• Eat a good breakfast/ lunch/ dinner (but continue to avoid gassy foods).​
• Try to empty your bowels (have a poo) naturally before you leave for the department. Do NOT strain or force.​

Prostate Cancer Specific Information​

If you are having radiotherapy to the prostate area you can find additional information about how to prepare and what to expect here.

I have a problem with the preparation​

If you have any problems with the preparation instructions given to you, or are not sure about what to do, please contact the bookings team for advice.​

Will I have an injection during the scan?

Most patients having planning for radiotherapy to the pelvis will require an injection of contrast dye to be given during the scan.

If this is required, the radiographers will explain the process when you arrive.

Keeping you still during treatment is extremely important for accuracy of radiotherapy. How we position you and stop you from moving during treatment (immobilisation) will vary depending on where the cancer was found in your chest.​

For cancers that are in the mid or lower chest

You will need to lie on a special board with arms raised above your head. If you have been given any arm or shoulder exercises then please continue with these. They will help you increase your arm mobility and reduce muscle tension when we position you. If you’re uncomfortable, let the radiographers know as soon as possible —they can adjust your position.

We will need to uncover your chest completely for this procedure as we use skin surface guided technology to ensure you are positioned correctly.

The planning scan itself will take around 15-20 mins but you may be in the room with us for longer.

For cancers that are in the upper part of the chest

We may need to make a mask (shell) to wear during your treatment.

A mask is made by heating a piece of flat plastic in a waterbath for a couple of minutes until it is warm and flexible. It is then stretched over the head, neck and upper chest area and smoothed around your features. It takes a few minutes to dry and harden. The mask feels a bit wet and warm when it is made but you will be able to breathe normally through holes in the material.

Your mask must fit perfectly. If you have long facial hair, you can help us to make a well-fitting mask by trimming very short or by shaving off before your planning appointment.​

You will wear the mask again for up to 20 minutes during each treatment.

Will I need to hold my breath?​

In most cases, we will not ask you to hold your breath for your planning scan, or radiotherapy treatment unless the consultant oncologist requests this technique.​

If the breath hold technique is required, we will send you a preparation letter or phone you with more details. On the day of the planning scan the radiographers will coach you to hold your breath for up to 20 seconds during your scan. If you are able to do this consistently for the planning appointment, you will be asked to do the same thing during the delivery of the radiotherapy treatment each day.

You can find videos and resources on the RESPIRE website which will help you to prepare for a breath hold technique.​

Some patients are not suitable for a breath-hold technique (DIBH). If this is the case, we will discuss this with you at the scan.

Can I eat and drink normally?​

If you have a cancer of the lower oesophagus we may require you to “fast” (take no food or fluids) for 2 hours before your planning appointment. If this applies to you, we will contact you via letter or phone prior to your appointment to give further instructions.

Will I have an injection during the scan?

Most patients having planning for radiotherapy to the lung/ Oesophagus (Thorax) will require an injection of contrast dye to be given during the scan.

If this is required, the radiographers will explain the process when you arrive.

Keeping you still during treatment is extremely important for accuracy of radiotherapy.

You will need to lie on a special board with arms raised above your head. If you have been given any arm or shoulder exercises, please continue with these. They will help increase your arm mobility and reduce muscle tension when we position you. If you’re uncomfortable, let the radiographers know as soon as possible —they can adjust your position.

We will need to uncover your chest and abdomen and pelvis almost completely for this procedure as we use skin surface guided technology to ensure you are positioned correctly. We will cover your modesty.​

The planning scan itself will take around 15-20 mins but you may be in the room with us for longer.

Will I need to hold my breath?​

In most cases, we will not ask you to hold your breath for your planning scan or radiotherapy treatment, unless the consultant oncologist requests this technique.​

If the breath hold technique is required, we will send you a preparation letter or phone you with more details. On the day of the planning scan the radiographers will coach you to hold your breath for up to 20 seconds during your scan. If you are able to do this consistently for the planning appointment, you will be asked to do the same thing during the delivery of the radiotherapy treatment each day.

You can find videos and resources on the RESPIRE website which will help you to prepare for a breath hold technique.​

Some patients are not suitable for a breath-hold technique (DIBH). If this is the case, we will discuss this with you at the scan.​

Can I eat and drink normally?​

We may require you to “fast” (take no food or fluids) for 2 hours before your planning appointment. If this applies to you, we will contact you via letter or phone prior to your appointment to give further instructions.

Will I have an injection during the scan?

Most patients having planning for radiotherapy to the abdomen will require an injection of contrast dye to be given during the scan.

If this is required, the radiographers will explain the process when you arrive.​

If you are having radiotherapy to a superficial area of your skin, a radiotherapy planning scan will not normally be required. This is called a Clinical Mark Up session.​

You will be lying down on a bed in a position that is comfortable for you.

The consultant will look at your notes and your skin and decide exactly what area needs treatment. They will draw temporary marks on your skin with a pen to define the treatment area.​

The radiographers will take a template and photographs of the pen marks.​

The radiographers will remove the pen marks before sending you home with treatment appointments and information.

The CT Planning Scan​

For this type of scan we will contact you in advance to let you know if there is any preparation. When you are taken for your scan we will ask you to lay on our couch. You will need to be able to lay relatively flat however, we will be able to modify your position to make you as comfortable as is possible. We have a range of pads and mats that we can use for this purpose. If you're uncomfortable, let the radiographers know as soon as possible - they can adjust your position. You will need to be able to tolerate the position for around 20 minutes.​

If you suffer with pain, please continue to take any regular pain medication before you come. If you have any top up pain medication prescribed to you such as oromorph, please bring this with you to your planning appointment.​

For the scan we will need to uncover the area of the body that will need radiotherapy.​

Can I eat and drink normally?​

Unless we tell you otherwise, you will be able to eat and drink normally before this type of planning.​

Will I need to hold my breath?​

Unless we tell you otherwise, we will not normally ask you to hold your breath for this type of procedure.

Will I have an injection during the scan?

If an injection is required, the radiographers will discuss this with you on the day, before going ahead with the planning.