A surgeon at a pioneering breast cancer unit has expressed frustration at red tape which he claims has left a life-saving machine unused for more a year.

The £500,000 equipment at the Epping Breast Unit can deliver radiotherapy to patients during an operation and help prevent tumours returning after surgery.

Surgeon Howard Bradpiece said the new commissioning system is not yet functioning properly, and that this is affecting the quality of care for patients.

He added: “We really want to get this technique up and running – it’s a no-brainer. For some patients, it could be their sole radiotherapy, which would be much better for them.

“We punch above our weight in terms of clinical care and research here, and currently, this is one of the most exciting new treatments.

“We want to deliver the best care we can for our patients, but we’re struggling against the system and bureaucracy that’s making it difficult to go forward.

“It’s all changing and it doesn’t seem to have formed properly.

“We want to deliver the best care we can for our patients.”

The equipment was purchased mainly with funds from the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow's equipment budget.

Fundraisers also raised thousands of pounds towards the piece of kit and the Epping unit is one of only three in the country to have one.