Monthly Archives: September 2021

Posted on September 13, 2021 by CMSE

Practical advice & guidance curated for radiology departments to help make progressive steps towards the NHS net-zero carbon emissions targets

 A five-point guide for the UK diagnostic imaging community providing practical advice to start working towards meeting the aims of the NHS’ net-zero carbon targets by 2040 has been launched by Canon Medical Systems UK.

Building on its 7-year pedigree of being the UK’s only carbon-neutral medical equipment supplier, the Canon Medical guide sets out early steps that can be taken by radiographers, clinicians and health managers in procurement or sustainability roles, to start taking strides to improving radiology sustainability. It also dovetails green strategy suggestions to wider digital-health innovation transformation initiatives.

The ‘Green Guide for Diagnostic Imaging’ includes five key areas of discussion to champion new thinking inside the imaging community when looking ahead to the NHS’ 2040 net-zero carbon targets:

  • How to embrace imaging equipment innovations to reduce departmental energy emissions at the same time as improving patient care
  • Why selecting carbon-conscious supply chain partners is key
  • The green benefits of taking imaging closer to the community
  • Encouraging and rewarding green behaviours to help with cultural change
  • Consider the case for standardising medical imaging equipment selection to speed-up access to modern technology.

Mark Hitchman, Managing Director of Canon Medical Systems states, “The impact of climate change and destruction of the natural environment is having a dramatic impact around the world. This has a knock-on effect on the long-term health conditions of populations. For example, a rise in air pollution is linked to heart disease, stroke and lung cancer; more heatwaves put additional pressure on the elderly and vulnerable people with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions; and poor air quality with aeroallergens drive up the numbers of fit and well people being diagnosed with asthma or other respiratory related illnesses. Now is the time to tackle the ticking timebomb of future healthcare pressures.”

The Canon Medical Green Guide for Diagnostic Imaging can be downloaded at https://uk.medical.canon/corporate-social-responsibilities/our-commitment-to-the-environment/

Photo caption: A five-point guide for the UK diagnostic imaging community providing practical advice and steps that can help with working towards meeting the aims of the NHS’ net-zero carbon targets by 2040 has been launched by Canon Medical Systems UK.

Posted on September 1, 2021 by CMSE

Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh welcomes Aquilion CT

NHS Lothian’s new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh fully opened earlier this year delivering state-of-the-art facilities and medical equipment to its patients and families. At the heart of its new diagnostic imaging strategy was an innovative CT scanner from Canon Medical Systems UK to speed up procedures for paediatric patients and drive down dose.

The Aquilion ONE GENESIS Edition CT scanner includes the Advanced intelligent Clear-IQ Engine (AiCE), the next-generation CT reconstruction technology. It has helped to make complex paediatric examinations easier, reduced dose for young patients and improved diagnostic accuracy.

“The dose reduction for our paediatric patients is amazing,” states Jennifer Stewart, CT Radiographer at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People. “The 16cm detector can achieve a volume scan in 0.5 seconds on a head which is really helpful when examining young patients, and we no longer need anaesthetics or strategies to try and keep them still for as long. This fast speed really helps us perform the procedure quicker and is better for the small person concerned.”

She continues, “The in-room ‘Handy Snap’ start button is a great feature on the CT scanner as it is great for gaining that crucial one second of stillness to get the best image of a young patient and stay close to them for reassurance. Plus, the ‘Area Finder’ with laser collimation functionality helps plan the scan range and field of view at the gantry without needing to do traditional planning steps such as a scanogram. This further reduces dose for the patient.”

Iain Gray, Account Manager at Canon Medical Systems UK states, “We have a long and close relationship with NHS Lothian which has been further cemented with the new CT scanner installation at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People. We will continue to provide applications support, training and our industry renowned service support to the imaging team, and look forward to ensuring they get the very best uptime and user experience to support patient care.”

Photo caption: The Aquilion ONE GENESIS Edition CT scanner at NHS Lothian’s new Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh. L to R: Iain Gray, Account Manager, Canon Medical Systems UK; Claire Donoghue, Radiographer; Jennifer Stewart, Radiographer; & Simon McGurk, Radiologist.