A new replacement modular CT scanner has been installed on the Daisy Hill Hospital site.
The hospital has one permanent CT scanner within the main diagnostics department. The team had been leasing an additional modular CT scanner, located outside, to help cope with demand and provide backup for the main permanent scanner when needed.
£850,000 funding from the Department of Health has allowed the Southern Health and Care Trust to now purchase a more permanent modular scanner, with a connecting corridor to the main hospital so that patients do not need to be transferred outside.
Daisy Hill Hospital offers diagnostic services, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, with the team completing at total of 82,466 investigations last year including 19, 636 CT scans.
CT (Computed Tomography) scanning services are delivered across Craigavon Area, Daisy Hill and South Tyrone hospitals. CT scans provide detailed images of internal organs, blood vessels and bones. They are used to diagnose and monitor a range of conditions and assisting with treatments.
Louise Fawcett Marsh, Principal Radiographer, Daisy Hill Hospital and Banbridge Health and Care Centre, Tracey Glendinning, CT Modality Lead, Daisy Hill Hospital, Jeannette Carberry, Specialist CT Radiographer, Denise Newell, Head of Service for Diagnostics, Francie Byrne, Radiography Assistant, Cathrine Reid, Director of Surgery and Clinical Services.
Cathrine Reid, Director of Director of Surgery and Clinical Services said: “The purchase of our own additional scanner after a number of years leasing is welcome news to our diagnostic team at Daisy Hill. The modular is primarily used for outpatient appointments to allow the main scanner to be retained for emergencies and inpatient use.
“I would like to pay tribute to our diagnostics, planning and estates teams who, despite ongoing staffing and financial challenges, show great enthusiasm and creativity in improving services for their patients.
“We continue to work to secure additional funding to increase our diagnostics capacity. Alongside the ongoing electrical upgrade at Daisy Hill, in the long term we aim to develop a twin diagnostic suite for the site, including a second permanent CT and MRI scanners.”
The CT team would like to express their sincere thanks to Estates Development Officer Neil Mackle on all of his hard work on this project.
