Supporter power revitalises RNOH Imaging Centre!

Posted by June Heath on 13 February 2025

You might remember we announced last year that, thanks to our lovely supporters, we’d completed fundraising for the new HiRise scanner at RNOH. Previously, more fantastic funds had come in to enable the hospital to receive the NHS’ first EOSedge scanner too. Now, we are thrilled to have witnessed the opening of a completely revitalised scanning service for RNOH patients with the launch of the new Imaging Centre in Stanmore, starring these two marvellous machines.

With the closure of the hospital’s previous PedCAT scanning service, the cutting-edge HiRise was vital for the hospital to continue to provide life-changing care to thousands of children and adults, and in a way that is already significantly improving the patient experience.

New and faster services

The addition of the HiRise not only re-introduced some imaging services at Stanmore, it also increased capacity, considerably reducing the burden on hospital services. Importantly, this advanced machine is cutting waiting times dramatically following a recent surge in demand.

The former PedCAT service completed 935 scans in 2024 and when it closed in July that year, the hospital was forced to turn patients away. Help from RNOH Charity meant the HiRise has helped to turn that around. As the scanner became available, RNOH Trust Chief Executive Professor Paul Fish said: “Offering more than 8,000 appointments a year and providing fast, detailed 3D images, the HiRise will help a broad spectrum of our patients, supporting surgical teams across the hospital and researchers around the world. We are sincerely grateful for the incredibly generous donations from RNOH Charity’s supporters.”

Lifetime improvements

Just along the corridor, the Imaging Centre offers patients access to the first NHS EOSedge scanner too. This machine was also fully funded by one of RNOH Charity’s loyal donors and provides life-changing, low-radiation scans to produce enhanced front and side images at the same time. This is important because many of RNOH’s young patients require frequent scans to monitor the progression of complex musculoskeletal conditions. EOS effectively replaces standard X-ray in these cases, significantly reducing any risks associated with radiation exposure over a lifetime. The machine also makes it easier for patients to complete their appointment as the EOS’ simultaneous front and side imaging capability means clinicians can see a complete picture with just one scan.

What’s more, working conditions have improved with the changes and the centre is able to offer training opportunities for staff and student radiographers right here at RNOH, a real boost because these scanners are only available in a few hospitals.

"The set-up is amazing," one radiographer said. Having all the scanners available within the centre, rather than relying on an external service in a van outside, has made life easier for patients who struggle with steps while wearing boots, face complex deformity or suffer from claustrophobia.

James Brennan, Imaging Operations Manager, said the opening of the new centre had vastly improved RNOH services. “Prior to the Imaging Centre opening, Imaging had just three X-ray rooms to service Outpatient and Inpatient X-rays, with three to four-hour delays in the department often the norm,” he explains. “This was a terrible experience for our patients and staff, and not the excellence we strive for. With the opening of the Imaging Centre, which houses the specialist imaging equipment of the HiRise and EOS scanners, we can offer our patients and staff a much better experience.

“The HiRise is allowing us to 3D-image hips, knees, ankles and feet in a weight-bearing position, which is not possible with traditional CT, while the EOS allows us to capture whole spines on X-ray in seconds, as opposed to traditional X-ray which can take from 10 to 45 minutes, depending on the imaging positioning and patient needs.

“Not only is having the specialist imaging equipment a fantastic position to be in, with the Imaging Centre offering desperately needed capacity and relieving Outpatient X-ray, it also offers a clean, new environment to work and be treated in. This all contributes to making Imaging at RNOH a better place to work, helping us retain good staff who are trained in the additional requirements that imaging at RNOH needs to deliver for our patients. We will also be able to see and image more patients, faster than previously, meaning diagnosis and treatments are received earlier than if we did not have the Imaging Centre.”

“We wouldn’t be where we are today without RNOH Charity. All Imaging staff would like to say thank you very much to the supporters who made these fantastic improvements possible.”

– James Brennan, Imaging Operations Manager

RNOH Charity Chief Executive Rosie Stolarski said: “We are thrilled to have secured these advanced scanners at such a pivotal moment. This achievement was only possible thanks primarily to the unwavering generosity of four key supporters. These innovative tools are revolutionising the hospital’s ability to deliver timely and precise care, ensuring life-changing benefits for countless patients in need.”

Thank you, everyone, for helping us to continue making sure RNOH remains one of the top orthopaedic hospitals, treating children and adults alike, and progressing research into life-saving reality.