The Skagit Regional Health Board of Commissioners approved moving forward with the replacement of a linear accelerator at the Skagit Regional Health Cancer Care Center in Mount Vernon.

The September Board action green lights the project that will include a remodel of a currently vacant vault at the facility and installation of a new linear accelerator to provide radiation oncology treatment to meet the needs of our patients. The new linear accelerator will be “beam matched” so that the Cancer Care Center will have two identical machines, model Versa HD by Elekta. This allows for patients to be treated on either linear accelerator in the event that downtime is needed on one. The linear accelerators deliver 3D conformal and intensity- modulated radiation therapy to all types of cancers, as well as to some benign diseases (keloids, Dupuytren’s contracture, plantar fasciitis, etc.). The Versa HD also provides stereotactic radiosurgery treatments, similar to cyberknife or gamma knife, for various focal tumors of the brain, spine or other organs.

“We are very excited to be this close to having our second matched linear accelerator installed,” said Radiation Oncologist Michal Whiton, MD. “To have this particular technology right here in Skagit Valley is incredible. It underscores the commitment Skagit Regional Health has made to this community to provide the most up-to-date and modern technology for cancer care needs. We are thrilled to be a part of providing that.”