SIEMENS, October 28, 2013 - University Hospital of North Staffordshire (UHNS), has installed a hybrid PET-CT system from Siemens Healthcare to help increase capacity and further strengthen its advanced imaging facilities.
The PET-CT system has enabled UHNS to bring all its imaging facilities under one roof.
It is hoped this will boost throughput as the hospital increases the volume and frequency of examinations.
The Biograph™ mCT will also support radiotherapy research undertaken at the hospital in collaboration with Keele University.
The hybrid PET-CT system will primarily be used for 128-slice oncological imaging.
Reproducible quantification and its high-performance imaging are helping clinicians to detect, characterise and monitor cancer lesions with greater precision.
As a result of its dual functionality, the Biograph mCT can also be used as a molecular CT or standalone CT scanner when required.
In addition, the system’s 78cm bore, short tunnel and 227kg table capacity provide greater flexibility, helping maximise the hospital’s patient base, as well as providing greater accessibility for patients.
“Through a collaborative fundraising effort we have been able to strengthen our position with one of the finest imaging departments in the country,” states Dr John Oxtoby, Consultant in Radiology and Nuclear Medicine and Deputy Medical Director at University Hospital of North Staffordshire.
“Following the installation of the Biograph mCT, we have been able to increase the quantity, speed and frequency of procedures.
The quality of the imaging allows us to directly input PET imaging into radiotherapy planning and increase our research capabilities.
Our patients are also benefitting from lower dose rates and improved scan times.”
“The imaging department at University Hospital of North Staffordshire is a fantastic state-of-the-art facility,” adds John Brady, Regional Sales Manager at Siemens Healthcare.
“We have established a strong relationship with UHNS through the provision of multiple imaging systems and are delighted to support them with the addition of a Biograph mCT.
With its integrated PET and CT modalities, the system will complement existing imaging services available at the hospital and support the clinical team in making treatment decisions.”
The Biograph mCT was installed following a collaborative fundraising effort by Keele University and the Trust’s charity, UHNS Charity.
Patients, visitors, staff and the general public came together to raise funds towards the installation of the mCT system which will provide a valuable new service for the local community.