Dual source CT system set to transform workflow at Glan Clwyd Hospital

Last updated Apr 1, 2021

Key refurbishments to CT facilities at Glan Clwyd Hospital are now complete, resulting in a CT suite designed with patients and staff in mind. The hospital is said to be the first in Wales to offer dual source CT imaging, receiving a Somatom Drive CT system from Siemens Healthineers to help improve workflow and patient outcomes. Remote applications training and support have enabled ongoing workflow optimisation and protocol development, despite the challenges of a pandemic.

Part of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Glan Clwyd Hospital works alongside several other hospitals to provide a range of health services for the population of North Wales.

Located in a custom-built wing of the radiology department, the CT system complements work to redesign large sections of the hospital. Patient privacy was at the centre of the project and the CT suite has a private recovery area, changing facility, en suite toilet as well as dedicated office space for radiology staff.

CT principal and CT lead Nicola Dobson said: “The Siemens Healthineers team kept the installation on track, despite the pandemic, with equipment and engineers making it to site, while training was deployed remotely.

“We were able to develop many of our scanning protocols using the SmartSimulator in conjunction with video calling software. This allowed us to maximise protocol development and enable optimisation of scan protocols to align the Somatom Drive with our existing Somatom Definition Edge CT. The combination of remote and on-site applications training minimised downtime and services resumed quicker than I have previously experienced. The CT team was confidently scanning on the new system by day two.”

The Somatom Drive CT from Siemens Healthineers includes advanced dual source technology, facilitating precise scanning for consistent image quality while minimising dose to patients. The system is the first of its kind in Wales and increases capabilities and flexibility at the hospital.

Picture: CT radiographer Sarah Cornwell, lead MRI radiographer Joanne Rothwell, CT principal and CT lead Nicola Dobson, radiographer Nicole Russell and radiographer assistant Janice Jones.

Published on page 21 of the February 2021 issue of RAD Magazine.