We were delighted and proud to learn that one of our projects has been showcased in an episode of BBC2’s Horizon.
The documentary
This special BBC Two programme goes behind the scenes of the £250 million cancer cure – from digging the biggest, widest hole ever to exist in London, to the treatment of the first patients in the UK using revolutionary proton beam therapy.
The programme focuses on a two-year period during which engineers, scientists and medics race to build two new centres, one at the Christie Hospital in Manchester and one at University College Hospital in London. The Christie Proton Beam Therapy Centre is the country’s largest of its kind and, alongside London, is just one of a handful of specialist care centres in the world using proton therapy to help treat people with cancer. The programme also touches on the experience of patients including the first intake of children awaiting life-saving treatment.
What is Proton Beam Therapy?
At the cutting edge of particle physics, proton beam therapy involves splitting hydrogen atoms to create a beam of protons travelling at two-thirds the speed of light, which then target tumours within millimetre accuracy.
This form of therapy is one of the most technologically advanced, though costly, cancer treatments in the world – but has the potential to save the lives of children with otherwise incurable cancers.
A building challenge
Building these singularly remarkable centres in the heart of two of our biggest cities is no easy feat. The process generates so much radiation it must be accommodated in a maze-like nuclear bunker surrounded by walls four metres thick. As mentioned in the programme synopsis – 2,000 tonnes of precision instruments are installed – more than four jumbo jets worth – and it is all required to work perfectly.
Solinear accepts the challenge
Working closely with Interserve Construction and HKS Architects Limited, London, Solinear was asked to design a system that cancelled noise coming out of the roof-top plant room while maintaining very important airflow to the sophisticated high-tech equipment inside.
We designed, manufactured, supplied and installed our Aquarius™ AQ100 and AQ50CH2 architectural louvres, together with our Soundex™ L300G/L150G acoustic louvres and all associated secondary support steelwork whilst working within a very compact area, at great height, and with more moving parts than normal. Solinear successfully installed over 350m2 of louvres within budget and to the agreed timescale.
BBC2’s Proton Beam Therapy Centre Horizon special is only available until Sunday 8th, however, if you download it you can keep it for another 30 days.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m00072kd/ad/horizon-2019-5-the-250-million-pound-cancer-cure
To read Solinear’s case study on the Christie Proton Beam Therapy Centre please follow this link: https://www.solinear.co.uk/case-study/the-christie-proton-beam-therapy-centre/
