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New SABR Cancer Treatment Service Launches in North Wales

Lung cancer patients in North Wales now have access to advanced Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR) at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, following the launch of a new service this month. Approved by the NHS Wales Joint Commissioning Committee (NWJCC), which commissions SABR for Wales, this development means patients no longer need to travel to Liverpool for treatment.

The service brings cutting-edge care closer to home, improves access, and demonstrates NWJCC’s commitment to equity and high standards in healthcare across Wales.

SABR is a highly targeted form of radiotherapy that delivers precise, high-dose radiation to cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. It is particularly effective for treating small tumours and can improve survival rates for patients with lung cancer.

The first patient, Eileen Gerrity was treated this month, marking a step forward in cancer care for North Wales. The service will:

  • Provide equity of access for patients across Wales, aligning North Wales with existing SABR services at Singleton Hospital, Swansea, and Velindre Cancer Centre, Cardiff.
  • Support future demand, as targeted lung cancer screening is expected to increase the number of patients suitable for SABR in the next 2–3 years.
  • Improve patient experience by reducing the need for long-distance travel for up to eight treatment sessions.

Eileen Gerrity, first patient to receive SABR at YGC praised the overall care she received “The fact I can have this treatment locally, rather than travelling to Liverpool is brilliant...

“I’ve seen some fantastic doctors, nurses and radiologists. When you first arrive, you get a named person you can ring, and they will answer any questions or worries. That is fantastic, you’ve got that support.”

Melanie Wilkey, Director of Commissioning Specialised Services said “Being able to offer SABR locally in North Wales is a significant achievement for cancer services in Wales, it improves access, supports equity, and delivers better outcomes for patients. This development fulfils a strategic objective for cancer services in Wales: to increase the number of SABR providers.

“Prior to 2022, SABR treatment was only available at Velindre Cancer Centre. That year, Swansea Bay UHB became the second provider, and now Betsi Cadwaladr UHB has joined as the third. This means all three tertiary cancer centres in Wales now deliver SABR.”

The service was developed through close collaboration between NWJCC, Betsi Cadwaladr UHB, the Clinical Oncology Sub Committee, and SABR clinical leads from Swansea and Velindre, and the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre in Liverpool, which provided expert clinical advice and mentoring support for the new service.

NWJCC will continue working with partners to expand SABR to treat more conditions in North Wales, ensuring patients benefit from the latest advances in cancer care.