Patient immobilisation for accurate positioning is a vital aspect of radiation therapy as it ensures accurate delivery of treatment to the tumour site whilst minimising dose to healthy tissue. With increased technical advances immobilisation may also allow reduction to treatment margins around the treatment target, again resulting in less dose to normal tissue, minimising side effects and potential increase in dose to the target improving cure rates.

As radiotherapy planning techniques advance immobilisation equipment also develops to ensure that we can maintain positional accuracies to within 5mm. We need to be able to immobilise any area of the body. It is important to ensure that the patient is comfortable so that he/she can remain still throughout the procedure.

The Omniboard is a cost effective all in one positioning system. It can remain on the treatment couch throughout the day, eliminating the need for staff to lift heavy, stand- alone equipment. The detachable positioning aids can be easily swapped for each individual patient’s set up resulting in an efficient transition between patients and minimising delays. It is versatile, allowing adjustments to foot and hand grips and support for back and bottom to maximise patient comfort and stability.

The Omniboard is lightweight and can be easily stored against a wall when not in use.

The Respiratory Compression Belt is designed to apply pressure to the abdomen and restrict tumour movement during breathing. It can be used alongside the Omniboard. Currently patients that require equipment to minimise tumour movement have to be referred to Bristol Oncology Centre for their planning and treatment.

The total cost is £112,695.