Clatterbridge Cancer Centre cuts scan times with UK-first PETCT technology
Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Wirral, has become the first in the UK to install the Biograph Trinion PETCT system from Siemens Healthineers. The system replaces an existing scanner and is expected to significantly improve patient throughput, reducing average scan times from around 25 minutes to approximately seven minutes while increasing appointment capacity. Th is will enable more patients across Cheshire and Merseyside to access diagnostic imaging more quickly.
For clinical teams at the centre, the introduction of a new system also strengthens their ability to deliver specialist imaging services for both oncological and non-oncological assessments. As a regional centre supporting patients from multiple hospitals, increased capacity and faster planning play a critical role in ensuring timely access to diagnostic services across the healthcare system. Th e system uses advanced detector technology and AI-supported image reconstruction to produce clear, high quality images more quickly, helping to reduce the time patients spend in the scanner. Features such as flexible workflows and patient monitoring cameras support staff in responding to patient needs, while helping services manage growing demand for PETCT in a way that maintains appropriate safeguards for sensitive patient information.
The installation reflects a long-standing collaboration between Clatterbridge Cancer Centre and Siemens Healthineers. “The new Biograph Trinion PETCT scanner will further enhance Clatterbridge Cancer Centre’s imaging capabilities, providing even more accurate and detailed images,” said clinical lead for PETCT Diana Almeida. “Demand for PETCT has significantly increased in recent years so we are delighted that the new scanner will reduce scan time considerably, allowing more patients to have scans each day, and greatly improving patient experiences, supported by the reliability that comes from working with a long-established technology partner.”
Picture: higher principal clinical scientist Matthew Ward, senior radiographer Eleanor Duncan, clinical and operational lead PETCT Diana Almeida, Siemens Healthineers Great Britain and Ireland MI product specialist Oleh Stakhiv, director of physics Carl Rowbottom, senior radiographer Zunaira Rasheed, radiology assistant Nichola Johnson, senior clinical scientist Fergus Dunn, regional sales manager Graeme Wells, Siemens MI applications specialist Monica Pinson and diagnostic radiographer Ingrid Clark.
Published on page 17 of the April 2026 issue of RAD Magazine.
