Exciting news this week, as our newly commissioned GE scanner in CT2 received its first patient on Tuesday 7th June. The new CT scanner from GE Healthcare brings the latest technology to the Trust, with up-to-date scanning techniques such as very rapid cardiac CT scanning which reduces movement artefact and provides improved diagnostic images. The modern technology also delivers additional capacity to introduce new scanning techniques such as CT guided tumour ablation.
Having a reliable, state-of-the-art scanner in place will ensure cancer treatments continue to be planned in a timely way. Importantly, too, it also improves the Trust’s contingency and capacity planning within the radiotherapy department when it comes to replacing other old scanning technology or when specialist kit on other scanners is serviced.The expected lifetime on this new piece of scanning equipment is 10 years. In that time, it will be worked hard – 7 days a week for up to 10 hours day. Over its lifetime, staff can expect to conduct upwards of 150,000 scans for patients.
So, our thanks to everyone at the Trust who has been involved in the project and kept going in demanding situations as the work has been carried out. Part of the project included the installation of a new Air Handling Unit on the edge of the Japanese Garden as well installing the new scanner and related room reconfigurations. The CT team has been amazing at keeping the show on the road and seeing patients whilst operating in noisy, cramped conditions.
Well done to RCHT Project Manager, Paul Lariat, to the team at Modus Building Services Ltd and to GE Healthcare.
