No downtime: ROH sustains interventional CT service during refurbishment
The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital (ROH) NHS Foundation Trust successfully maintained its interventional CT service during the replacement of an ageing 64-slice CT scanner, avoiding disruption to patients, many of whom were on urgent oncology two-week-wait pathways. Faced with a planned 12-week refurbishment period, the trust explored multiple options, including outsourcing services, collaborating with neighbouring trusts and using community diagnostic centres. Ultimately, ROH adopted an innovative solution: an on-site modular CT scanner supported by a separate modular recovery unit.
A multidisciplinary project team involving imaging, anaesthetics, theatres, estates, pharmacy, infection prevention, health and safety, and patient safety specialists was established to identify and mitigate operational risks. Working with industry, the team adapted the modular scanner to support interventional procedures through software modifications, including the addition of a foot pedal, joystick controls and an in-room monitoring solution. Although full 3D imaging functionality was unavailable, radiologists successfully adapted their techniques without compromising patient safety.
The project addressed numerous challenges, including anaesthetic gas scavenging, patient recovery arrangements, controlled drug management, infection prevention, emergency response planning and safe patient transfers between facilities. Practical solutions such as portable suction units, gas cylinders, outdoor transfer equipment, temporary crossings and enhanced porter support enabled safe and efficient service delivery.
The initiative demonstrated that interventional CT services can be safely sustained during scanner replacement through innovative planning and collaborative working. ROH’s experience provides a valuable model for organisations seeking to maintain capacity, reduce waiting times and avoid delays to critical patient care during infrastructure upgrades.
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