New scanner for Hartlepool patients with cancer, heart disease and emphysema during pandemic

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust has upgraded its scanning equipment across its hospitals in Hartlepool and Stockton.

The University Hospital of Hartlepool has received a Siemens SOMATOM Definition Edge scanner. It has had a relocatable CT scanner delivered to its site at the University Hospital of North Tees.

CT scans can detect bone and joint problems, like complex bone fractures and tumours. With a condition like cancer, heart disease, emphysema, or liver masses, CT scans can spot it or help clinicians see any changes.

Gail Griffiths, operational manager in radiology, is delighted to have “increased our scanning capacity at a time when we have needed it most.

“These scanners will allow us to scan more patients as we work our way through the backlog created by postponed appointments during the pandemic.

“NHS England and NHS Improvement have worked with us to help us come up with an innovative solution to treat more patients than ever before.”

The CT scanner at North Tees is in a container unit to be safe for patients.

Rachel Willey, patient safety lead for radiology, said: “The relocatable scanner is located outside of the hospital building, meaning patients can come for their scan without even entering the building.

“It is the ideal solution to allow for social distancing and provide a safe environment for patients during the pandemic.

“It will be invaluable in helping the team work through a backlog in appointments and ensure patients get the treatment they need quickly and efficiently.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you.