New imaging equipment benefits patients

Four new pieces of digital imaging equipment are now being used in our Radiology Departments at Derriford Hospital.

The installation of the X-Ray machines began last April, with all four rooms on level 6 now being open and equipped with the latest technology.

The main benefit of this technology is the reduction in radiation dose for the patient and improved image quality. In addition, they are quicker, showing a preview of the patient’s image almost instantly, which allows the radiographer to decide quickly if further images are needed to assist with diagnosis.

Jan Davies, Superintendent Radiographer at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust said: “We see more than 58,000 patients within the department on an annual basis so this was an important imaging project for us.

“Following the installations we saw immediate benefits, with the quality of the images and in the potential for us to reduce the dose given to patients.”