University of Salford medical imaging centre supports development of the workforce

The Centre for Medical Imaging, a new £2.87 million facility for teaching, learning, research and clinical provision, has opened at the University of Salford.

GE HealthCare has worked with the university to provide equipment including the Revolution Maxima CT scanner, one of the first to be installed in the UK. This will join two Discovery static digital x-ray systems, an Optima digital mobile x-ray system and five ultrasound scanners.

The university is part of the North West Imaging Academy as an Ultrasound Academy and is working with clinical providers to support a clinical ultrasound imaging facility that will be able to take referrals and treat patients. The aim is to expand to plain imaging, CT and mammography referrals in the future.

The facility includes a dementia-friendly imaging room with a ceiling light designed to look like a skylight and natural woodland scenes on the walls. The space is designed to help patients feel relaxed and is intended to support research projects in this field.

The mammography suite, which includes the Senographe Pristina FFDM system with biopsy, was the result of an alumni grant from the Garfield Weston Foundation. This equipment will be used to enhance learning, enterprise activities and to support the further development of research.

Head of radiography Dr Claire Mercer said: “The Centre for Medical Imaging reflects the growing ambition and impact of our radiography team and the wider institution. These facilities will be used extensively to support the development of our workforce. They will provide students with the most advanced simulated experiences to learn in, so they can provide high quality clinical services in the future. They will also support us in running courses for those already working in the NHS to support their ongoing professional development.

“Parts of the facility will also be used to help us provide clinical services in partnership with NHS trusts across the Greater Manchester region, meaning we can help support the NHS and provide our students with real-world experience right here on campus,” added Dr Mercer.

Picture: Students in the new Centre for Medical Imaging.

Published on page 4 of the June 2023 issue of RAD Magazine.