A KEY member of the team working on Worcester’s long-awaited new state-of-the-art radiotherapy centre has won a prestigious national award.

Gill Elkins, a senior radiographer who has treated thousands of cancer patients during a 40-year career, is celebrating being named Radiographer of the Year by the Society of Radiographers.

Mrs Elkins recently retired from her full-time job at University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust and is now working on the Worcestershire Oncology Project. She plays a key role developing policies, clinical guidelines and patient pathways in preparation for the opening of the new £22 million unit at Worcestershire Royal Hospital at the start of 2015.

Mrs Elkins said she was “surprised and honoured” to scoop the prestigious award.

“I would like to acknowledge that any small achievement on my part has been the result of working with a fantastic group of caring professionals who have been a constant source of inspiration, enthusiasm and support,” she said. “Being a part of the Worcestershire Oncology Project means that I am able to continue working in a field that is my passion and I am delighted that I am able to play a part in ensuring a long-held dream will finally become a reality.”

The new radiotherapy centre will provide radiotherapy treatment for Worcestershire’s cancer patients and means they will no longer face long journeys out of the county for their care.

It is estimated it will save patients about one million miles of travel every year.

The state-of-the-art radiotherapy facilities will also mean more effective targeting of tumours, less damage to surrounding tissue and less risk of complications.

Adel Makar, associate medical director for cancer services at Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Gill’s recognition for her work is well deserved. Her contribution to the development of Worcestershire Oncology Centre is instrumental to this development. Her immense experience and professionalism make it a delight to work with her.”