Medical scanning technology is improving all the time. Andrew White looks at the latest developments at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust.

SENDING a patient for an x-ray is one of the most common diagnostic tools used by doctors – whether it’s a child with a possible broken bone or an older patient struggling with mobility – and everything in between. It’s difficult to imagine what we did before we had them, however, the wide range of scanning possibilities now available to clinicians has transformed the way they care for us. Even in the last ten years, MRI, CT and other scanners have significantly improved the prognosis and outlook for patients.

Recognising the important role radiology plays in modern healthcare, County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust has committed to ensuring its teams have access to the very best radiology equipment so patients receive the best possible care and experience.

In 2017, a public appeal helped bring new, state of the art MRI scanners to Darlington Memorial and Bishop Auckland Hospitals. These produce very high quality images which are helping diagnose serious conditions including cancers and heart problems – many of which, only a few years ago, would have required an investigative surgical procedure. MRI scans, which don’t carry radiation risks, can also help show how well a patient is responding to treatment. The whole patient experience has also improved – the scanners are quieter, quicker and spacious, meaning far fewer patients describe feeling claustrophobic.

The close working relationship the trust established with Philips, during the acquisition process for the two MRI scanners, has led the two organisations to agree an exciting and ground breaking £43m, 14-year contract that will see Philips ensuring nearly 100 pieces of the trust’s radiology equipment are replaced regularly and then well-maintained, so that patients benefit from some of the latest technology in the region.

In December, a new MRI scanner was installed at University Hospital of North Durham, in a purpose built department, similar to one constructed in Darlington, with new changing and other facilities. The new scanners mean scan times across all four sites are improved, resulting in the shortest possible waits for patients.

Richard Morris explains: “Our contract with Philips also includes maintaining the equipment and Philips have a team supporting the service. Each year we perform 187,000 x-rays and 16,000 MRIs, with equipment used round the clock, so maintaining it is vital to keep it in tip top condition. Having an engineer constantly available means any concerns can be addressed quickly. It’s made a huge difference to the service we offer and to our radiographers, who know help is never far away.

“One of the things we’re most excited about is the replacement of our CT scanners, the first of which has recently been installed at Bishop Auckland Hospital so patients are benefitting from this already. CT scans combine many x-ray measurements taken at different angles to create a 3D image. A CT of the heart, for instance, will reveal all its vessels, giving our clinicians an amazing and very precise insight into any new issues, deterioration or improvement since previous scans. Amazingly, in modern CT scans, all of the images are taken in an instant – the time the heart takes to beat once. When CT scanning was invented 40 years ago, a scan could take an hour.

“The CT scanner at Darlington will also be replaced and at University Hospital of North Durham we’ll ultimately have two new CT scanners, taking us from three in total, to four.

“Through our contract with Philips, we’ve also created our first of nine fully automated digital x-ray rooms which will enable us to perform a wider range of x-rays, quicker, meaning we can see more patients and get imaging of a consistent quality. This advanced technology produces digital x-rays, so they’re easily accessible to anyone involved in the patient’s care.”

Head of radiography, Judith Allen, says: “We have 82 highly trained and skilled radiographers working across our sites. They’re involved in specialties people aren’t aware of until they need them, such as medical physics, which includes amongst other things, bone density scans that can identify if a patient needs medication to help prevent them developing osteoporosis. Radiographers also work in theatre, alongside surgeons, where imaging helps guide the procedure. For instance, during hip replacement surgery an x-ray can confirm the replacement joint is positioned correctly.

“Radiographers have a high level of technical knowledge and experience in getting the ideal image right first time, to give clinicians the information they need. We’re all very excited at the prospect of what new equipment will help us achieve.

“Our new equipment and facilities are already attracting some of the best, most highly skilled radiographers and new graduates to our trust. In addition to clinical skills, radiographers also have to be sensitive in supporting patients, many of whom are in great pain and shock. We care for very young, sometimes distressed, children, and their anxious parents, through to the frail, elderly. I would encourage any teenagers looking for an interesting, challenging, career, to find out more about becoming a radiographer.”

Mr Morris adds: “Another area that is making a huge difference to patient care is the cardiac Cath lab at Darlington where radiographers work alongside cardiologists identifying patients with narrowing heart vessels. New equipment has improved exam time and thereby patient comfort.

“We have just completed the first year of our contract with Philips and as well as all the exciting changes on the horizon, we’ve already replaced over 30 pieces of equipment. We’re very excited about the difference this is already making to the care our patients receive.”