THE University of Cumbria has been chosen by the NHS to be its sole trainer of specialist cancer staff.

A shortage within the health service means the university will now train physics graduates whose work will be ‘pivotal’ in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

“This is a very exciting development for the university,” said Charles Sloane, principal lecturer in the department of health and sport sciences.

“As there is a severe shortage of NHS staff in this field, the introduction of this course will enormously benefit the NHS service in delivering timely care to cancer patients.”

The university was awarded the national tender by the NHS through its Modernising Scientific Careers programme and will be the only university in the country offering this course.

The Graduate Diploma in Healthcare Sciences will feature a combination of attendance and distance learning, with students qualifying at the end of the course as a healthcare science practitioner specialising in nuclear medicine or radiotherapy.