Diagnostic boost for Stanmore

Posted by Vicky Brady on 13 October 2020

Daniel Freire-Gonzalez from west London,  this week became the first patient to benefit from a state-of-the-art SPECT-CT scanner here at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH).

Particularly effective in the fight against cancer, the £670,000 machine combines the best aspects of two different types of scanning - SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography) and CT (computerised tomography) scanning. As well as being much more convenient for patients, it provides doctors with instant and much more accurate images for diagnosis, to help them plan complex treatments.

The scanner has been bought with funds raised by the RNOH Charity, which strengthens the vital work of the RNOH on an ongoing basis by providing extra services and facilities that are beyond the reach of the hospital’s NHS budget.

“At a time when so much routine diagnostic work and treatments have been deferred because of the COVID-19 pandemic we are delighted to give RNOH patients and medical staff access to this incredible technology,” said RNOH Charity CEO, Rosie Stolarski. “Thanks to the generosity of a major donor and our other loyal supporters, the hospital can now accelerate diagnosis and treatment where it is needed.”

Jennifer Gibson, Lead Radiographer, CT Imaging said:  “We are very excited to have our new SPECT CT scanner installed. The scanner will make a massive difference to many patients, as we will be able to offer state-of-the-art SPECT-CT imaging at our Stanmore site. Previously, patients would have had to go elsewhere for this imaging service. The SPECT-CT scanner will allow us to acquire functional nuclear medicine images at the same time as acquiring detailed anatomical images; by fusing these images together we will be able to provide a much more accurate diagnosis.

“We are all looking forward to developing this new imaging service within the scanning department, and to the benefits in diagnosis that it will bring to our patients.

“We would like to thank the RNOH Charity for their huge generosity and support in making this project possible.”