Helen Scullion (middle) and the radiology, radiotherapy and oncology team at The James Cook University Hospital A MIDDLESBROUGH nurse has become the first in the world to be trained to insert a revolutionary implant which can reduce radiotherapy side effects by up to 70 per cent in prostate cancer patients. Helen Scullion from The James Cook University hospital is leading the way as the first advanced nurse practitioner to insert SpaceOAR hydrogel into the space between the prostate and the rectum before treatment to reduce radiation exposure and minimise damage to healthy tissue, under local anaesthetic. Previously the gel, which has been clinically proven to significantly reduce bowel side effects, as well as showing a trend towards reducing bladder side effects and erectile dysfunction, was only inserted by consultants.