Blackpool Teaching Hospital NHS FT deploys streamlined radiology system

Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has deployed a streamlined radiology system to help improve the service offered to patients.

Hospital Services Limited (HSL), which provided the solution, consulted with the trust in order to supply an easy-to-use and robust system that could stand up to the 28,000 plus patients who require the service.

The Shimadzu RADspeed Pro is the result – a system that allows Blackpool Teaching Hospital’s radiology team to increase efficiencies and address waiting times, all while improving the patient experience.

Joanna Peacock, interim general x-ray manager at the trust, said: “In addition to the streamlined workflow which the system offers that enables our team to treat more patients more effectively, the adaptability of the system means that the same technology can be used for diagnostic imaging of patients ranging from paediatrics to elderly patients.

“The technology will also help our team to answer the growing demand for chest x-rays as patients dealing with prolonged long-Covid symptoms continue to present with ongoing imaging requirements.”

The system uses Canon-powered software which enables several images to be stitched together to render one large x-ray image. This provides a more comfortable viewing experience for radiographers and enables a more thorough view of the area being x-rayed.

As well as improved workflow the general radiographic system has also led to a dose reduction for patients.

Dominic Walsh, HSL’s chief executive, added: “The Shimadzu RADspeed Pro which has been installed within the Department is a truly robust and versatile piece of equipment which can be used for a wide range and high volume of patients to help improve patient through-put and streamline the workflow for the very busy radiography team.”

HSL has recently joined the NHS Commercial Solutions Framework Agreement for Provision of Patient Healthcare Communications and Related IT Services. This enables the company to sell its healthcare solutions across the NHS in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.