UHNM makes the most of industry partnership with installations of MRI and CT equipment
University Hospitals of North Midlands NHS Trust (UHNM) is working in partnership with Siemens Healthineers to improve services and meet community needs. With a growing demand for diagnostic testing and medical imaging, UHNM sought an industry partner for the delivery of equipment management to allow greater focus on the provision of care. A partnership with Siemens Healthineers was established in 2007, which aims to ensure access to the latest technology while offering support to optimise workflows, financial results and clinical care.
As part of this, Royal Stoke University Hospital has installed cutting-edge technology and, in the last 12 months, deployed three MRI and three CT scanners, in addition to one of two mammography systems planned for installation.
Among the portfolio of Siemens Healthineers equipment installed across the trust, two 3.0T Magnetom Vida MRI systems help reduce the need for repeat scans, with personalised examinations. A 1.5T Magnetom Sola MRI with BioMatrix technology has been installed to simplify and accelerate patient preparation, potentially allowing for greater throughput in the busy department.
Superintendent MRI radiographer Bruce Jarvest said: “The improved spine DOT engine with its auto alignment has proved valuable and is a great addition to the already good functionality of the previous scanners. The support of the application specialists has been very helpful and we feel confident any issues we may encounter will be resolved promptly.”
To expand CT capabilities, two Somatom Edge Plus systems have been installed, with an additional Somatom Drive scanner offering dual source CT, supporting standardised workflows and allowing reproducible precision.
CT superintendent radiographer Kay Jones said: “The CT scanners are user friendly and have a range of features, including high quality cardiac imaging and quick acquisition times, especially in paediatrics.”
The Mammomat Revelation systems at UHNM are equipped with contrast-enhanced mammography technology and 50° HD breast tomosynthesis. The system now at Royal Stoke University Hospital has recently been accredited for use in the NHS Breast Screening Programme, with features designed to optimise patient experience.
Future plans include the renovation of three cardiac catheterisation laboratories, in addition to an Ysio Max radiography system for Haywood Community Hospital in Stoke-on-Trent.
Picture: The Siemens Healthineers Somatom Edge Plus at Royal Stoke University Hospital.
Published on page 3 of the February 2020 issue of RAD Magazine.