West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin has welcomed news that the new radiotherapy unit has taken a step closer today. The NHS Acute Trust today took possession of the Worcestershire Oncology Unit which will offer radiotherapy treatment to patients from early 2015. New linear accelerator therapy machines are now in place in the newly constructed building at Worcester Royal Hospital. Cancer sufferers currently have to travel to Coventry, Cheltenham or Wolverhampton for treatment. The new unit will save drivers over one million miles each year. The building was formally handed over to the NHS Acute Trust at a ceremony today (September 16). Harriett commented: “This is a great milestone for Worcester Royal Hospital and I am glad to hear that the unit is on track to open on schedule next year. “At the moment people needing radiotherapy treatment need to travel great distances to be cared for so this will make a huge difference to local people.”