Launch of new cancer equipment

Mar 5 2009

A new piece of equipment which has been installed at the University of Hertfordshire to train radiotherapy students to treat cancer patients will be launched at a Science and Engineering Week event on Tuesday (10th March).

The Virtual Environment for Radiotherapy Training (VERT), one of the most sophisticated radiotherapy training systems in the world, is being rolled out in universities across England - thanks to a £5 million investment from the Department of Health

VERT uses immersive visualisation technology to allow radiotherapy students to enter a virtual radiotherapy suite and set up a virtual patient for treatment.

It will allow students studying for the University of Hertfordshire BSc (Hons) in Radiotherapy and Oncology to view the inside of a patient's anatomy,and visualise this on CT images

"VERT is very good news as it addresses the urgent need to train more radiotherapists," said Dr Richard Price, Head of the University’s School of Health and Emergency Professions. “It will enable students to perform the technical aspects of their job quickly so that they can focus more time on patient care."

Professor Tim Wilson, Vice Chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire will deliver the welcome address at the launch event, followed by an address from Michael Graveling, President of the Society of Radiographers.

http://www.herts.ac.uk/