State-of-the-art CT scanner provides first for NHS in the Midlands

A new state-of-the-art Computed Tomography (CT) Scanner, the first in the Midlands, is helping to speed up treatment and reduce waiting times at University Hospitals of North Midlands

The new Siemens Somatom Force CT Scanner has been installed in the emergency department at royal Stoke University Hospital and is now providing new levels of image quality, clinical outcomes, and allowing precise results.

Royal Stoke is the first NHS hospital outside of London to have a Somatom Force CT Scanner which routinely generates high quality, fast access to images of trauma patients in the emergency Department.

Kay Jones, UHNM CT superintendent radiographer, said: “This equipment is helping to provide CT high image quality and fast access to CT for patients attending our ever busier Trauma and Emergency Department. The additional features include CT cardiac and aorta and angiography, supporting the emergency team and radiologists with detailed images to help with delivering the best possible care for our patients.”

The scanner has reduced the amount of time it takes to scan a patient and has also increased the numbers of patients who are scanned.

David Winter, UHNM commercial development manager for managed equipment services (MES), said: “This area was previously used as part of emergency department X-ray and with this kit approaching replacement it was a great opportunity to bring in the very latest equipment to support the increased demand for CT scanning.  We now have  a high specification scanner which will greatly support our emergency department imaging staff in fast diagnosis and improve patient outcomes and experience.”

Samantha Bentley, MES Manager from Trust partner Siemens Healthcare Limited, said: “Siemens Healthineers is proud to support the hospital in the delivery of EDCT2. This project involved major building works to remodel a general X-Ray room into a room suitable for a CT scanner. The hospital is the first to have this state-of-the art scanner in an Emergency Department setting outside of London.”

Chevaunne Jeffery, general manager from Healthcare Support (North Staffs) Ltd, who is responsible for the PFI at Royal Stoke, added: “It’s great to hear that local people are benefitting from the latest technology.”