Royal Victoria Hospital receives Ireland’s first Alpha.Prime photon-counting CT system
Royal Victoria Hospital, part of Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, has become the first hospital in Ireland to introduce the Naeotom Alpha.Prime photon-counting CT (PCCT) scanner from Siemens Healthineers. Installed through a 20-year Value Partnership with the company, the scanner delivers ultra high resolution images at a low dose, alongside spectral data from every examination. Its 0.2mm slice thickness enables clinicians to visualise small vessels, subtle anatomical structures and early disease changes. The impact is already being seen across multiple clinical specialities at the hospital, says Siemens Healthineers. In neurovascular and vascular imaging, improved visualisation of small aneurysms, stents and other fine anatomical structures is supporting more effective follow-up assessments. The enhanced image quality and spectral data are also helping clinicians answer diagnostic questions from a single examination. In addition, the technology is helping to advance CT-guided interventional procedures. An integrated laser guidance system supports needle placement during biopsies and tumour ablations. Siemens Healthineers says PCCT is also creating opportunities for specialist training, advanced practice and multidisciplinary collaboration between radiologists, radiographers and medical physicists.
“Introducing photon-counting CT has changed the way we approach imaging,” stated lead CT radiographer Daniella O’Hare. “Beyond the exceptional image quality, we’re seeing tangible benefits across our clinical pathways. Just as importantly, it has energised our teams with a strong sense of pride, creating new opportunities for learning and development while ensuring our patients benefit from some of the most advanced imaging technology available.”
By combining continuous technology refresh cycles with education and workforce development, the Value Partnership helps ensure patients across Northern Ireland have access to the latest imaging innovations while supporting the clinical teams that use them.
Picture: Royal Victoria Hospital interim imaging services manager Gary Burke, Siemens Healthineers GB&I account manager Michael Ennis and regional operations manager Philip Frizzell, consultant radiologist Dr Graham Smith, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust director Marion Mulholland, consultant radiologist Dr Raghu Sathya, radiographer Niamh Fox, imaging site lead Siobhan Speirs, radiographer Rachel McCaul and lead CT radiographer Daniella O’Hare.
Read this report on the front page of the October 2026 issue of RAD Magazine.
