New high-tech CT scanner for Fairfield General Hospital

New high-tech CT scanner at Fairfield General Hospital

The Pennine Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, which runs the Fairfield General Hospital, has recently installed a brand new CT scanner which is housed in the x-ray department at the hospital.

The new state-of-the-art scanner is a replacement for the previous scanner which was 10 years old. The new scanner delivers high quality images at a significantly less radiation dose.

Dr Judith Mather, site lead for radiology at Fairfield General Hospital, said: “The new 160 slice Aquilon Prime is faster then than the old 4 slice CT; in some cases scan time is reduced to a matter of seconds. While this does not mean we can scan more patients, it allows us to collect a large amount of data very quickly, which makes the procedure much more comfortable for the patient and ensures a top quality examination. The detail is excellent, and the processing software allows us to create images in different planes and also in three dimensions.

“CT has long held a place in the diagnosis and management of cancer, but it is now becoming the investigation of choice for many illnesses, notably disease of the large bowel and kidney stones. At Fairfield, it is an essential part of the stroke service.

“Similar equipment is currently being installed at our other Pennine Acute Trust hospitals, but I am delighted that Fairfield has been chosen to lead the way.”