ABM Health Board, Wales, United Kingdom, has recently announced that it is going to replace some of its MRI and CTscanners. The replacement will be taking place thanks to the funds provided by WAG. Within the next months, four hospitals will receive the new imaging systems. Morriston Hospital and the Princess of Wales Hospital will install new MRI units, while the CT scanners will be for Singleton, Neath Port Talbot, and Morriston Hospitals.
“The Royal College of Radiologists have published guidelines necessitating the replacement of CT or MRI scanners aged over seven years. The guidelines are based on factors of general wear and tear, the equipment experiences over its working life, plus improvements in technology over that period of time.” said Chris Morris, Radiology Services Manager at Morriston. He added “Developments in computer technology over these time periods see the new scanners with enhanced qualities such as faster scan times and improved image quality. Associated benefits include comparatively lower radiation doses for CT and increased weight limits on scanners. It is necessary we update our machines to ensure we have access to resilient imaging for our patients. We are looking forward to being able to use the latest technology and seeing the benefits it can bring to our patients.”
Gareth Evans, MRI Superintendent, expressed his pleasure to have the new MRI machine, as it will help patients to overcome several issues accompanied with imaging using the older machine, such as claustrophobia. Evans explained “The MRI machine can make some patients feel very claustrophobic; sometimes to the point they are unable to go through with the scan and have to return later under sedation. Unlike the old machine, the new machine allows patients to go in feet first and can just be focused on the area which needs to be looked at. So, unless the scan is of the patient’s neck or head, their head won’t be under the scanner.”
The new MRI scanning system is wider and shorter, which means more comfort for the patients undergoing the procedure. The system also has reduced noise, which aids in making MRI scanning quieter to the patients. Another main benefit in the new system is the software, that allows some movements to the patients while they are scanned, contrary to the current MRI systems that require patients to remain still for at least 3 minutes while generating images, or the procedure would need to be repeated.
On the other hand, the new CT scanning systems are quicker, which means less need for patients to hold their breath while the procedure takes place. The new scanners are also designed to image larger sections of the body, in less time with more details. Morris concluded “The new MRI and CT scanners will also provide ABM with the opportunity to develop new imaging services in areas such as cardiac care.”
