Monthly Archives: May 2025

To enhance diagnostic imaging availability in the UK’s veterinary market, Canon Medical Systems UK has entered into a partnership with Quality Medical Services (QMS). This collaboration appoints QMS as a provider of Canon Medical System’s advanced ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) systems for veterinary practices across the UK.

Under this partnership, QMS will receive comprehensive product training and technical support from Canon Medical, whilst Canon Medical will retain responsibility for product warranties and key service elements to ensure continued quality and reliability.

This marks a significant step forward for both organisations. Canon Medical’s cutting-edge imaging technology complements QMS’ extensive experience across the veterinary profession. Together, they aim to expand Canon Medical’s presence in the veterinary sector and set a new high standard for veterinary imaging by integrating high-performance ultrasound, CT, and MRI solutions into veterinary practices. Delivering solutions that enhance diagnostic accuracy, streamline veterinarians’ workflows, and ultimately improve outcomes for animals of all kinds.

“We are pleased to collaborate with QMS to bring our imaging solutions to the veterinary profession,” said Mark Hitchman, Managing Director of Canon Medical Systems UK. “Their experience in the veterinary sector will help us extend our reach, providing exceptional solutions and support to veterinary professionals. We look forward to working together to deliver outstanding applications and service.”

“With over 30 years of experience in the UK veterinary market, we recognise the growing demand for high-quality imaging solutions,” commented Trevor Howard, Managing Director of QMS. “The increased use of ultrasound, CT, and MRI in veterinary care presents a significant opportunity, and we are excited to collaborate with Canon Medical to provide trusted, high-performance equipment. The training and service support from Canon Medical will further strengthen our ability to deliver excellent customer care.”

This partnership reflects the shared commitment of Canon Medical and QMS to advancing veterinary imaging, ensuring that veterinary professionals across the UK have access to reliable, high-quality diagnostic solutions. These imaging advancements will play a crucial role in enhancing veterinary care across the UK.

Inequality remains a prominent issue within Sheffield, from the stark health divide which sees disparities in life expectancy from one postcode to another within the city[1], to rising rates of poverty which impacts one in four Sheffield people at any one time[2]. Children’s health – and in particular obesity – is another challenge for the region, with 24.3% of Sheffield children aged 10 and 11 classed as obese as of November 2023[3].

With the above in mind, and with the desire to enrich its existing links to Sheffield and give back to the community, Canon Medical Systems UK built the Canon Medical Arena in collaboration with partners Park Community Arena (PCA) Ltd and The LivingCare Group. The doors opened to the Sheffield public in October 2023.

The arena – combining a multi-purpose community sports facility and medical diagnostic centre – sits within the regenerated Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, and was designed to help address health and social inequality head-on.

So, how has the arena positively impacted the community since its opening?

A medical diagnostic centre in the heart of the community

Improving accessibility to essential diagnostics and bringing these services closer to the community was a key driver when designing the arena. Due to its central location within Sheffield Olympic Legacy Park, the arena is easy to get to via local transport links, and offers a welcoming, relaxed environment for those who may feel apprehensive in a traditional hospital setting. The diagnostic services available at Canon Medical Arena range from MRI scans and ultrasounds to CT scans and X-rays.

Since its opening, the fully equipped diagnostic suite, operated by LivingCare, has played a crucial role in supporting the NHS in reducing the waiting list backlog by delivering a diverse and growing array of timely healthcare services – from prostate biopsies to cardiology and physiotherapy. To date, over 140 prostate biopsies have been completed for the NHS within the arena, with training on how to complete a lower-risk method provided to local NHS radiologists to improve future patient outcomes.

The arena also houses the South Yorkshire Heart Centre, a collaboration between local cardiologists and LivingCare, providing crucial cardiac services to support community health. Further partnerships have also been made with the White House Clinic to support the delivery of physiotherapy services, supported by a team of five clinicians and over 40 physiotherapists across the business. This partnership has enabled the availability of a wide range of treatments while building a pathway for MRI and CT referrals, further strengthening Sheffield’s healthcare services network.

Giving Sheffield a sporting chance

Now the permanent home of Sheffield Sharks professional basketball team and Sheffield Hatters women’s basketball team, the lively arena attracts thousands of fans every week – inspiring the next generation of basketball players and strengthening the spirit and sense of pride in the community.

Since opening, attendance has doubled, and over 50 professional basketball games have been hosted, all televised to a sporting platform. When the courts aren’t being used for basketball, the multi-use facility is home to sporting university students in Sheffield, and available for hosting a variety of other sporting events – from dance competitions to the national amateur karate championships aiming to encourage healthy, active lifestyles.

In 2025, the arena is expected to bring even more sporting professionals through its doors – including British gymnastics, international table tennis, world amateur karate championships, professional and amateur boxing, and super league netball. The flexible space is also being utilised for culture and leisure, as well as business events such as a local Chamber of Commerce business exhibition, large company conferences with 300+ delegates in attendance and, in the future, the possibility of the first opera performance.

Yuri Matischen, Director of Park Community Arena Ltd commented, “We are extremely proud of the thriving sporting environment we have created here in Sheffield. It is important for us to ensure our facility offers a broad range of activities to attract and inspire all from the diverse communities around us, and emphasise the importance of physical activity on our health and overall well-being.”

Engaging young people and setting them up for success

Another key driver of the arena is to encourage healthy lifestyles and establish a place to grow young people’s self-respect. So, in addition to hosting professional sports and events, the facility also acts as a central hub for young people with nearly 1,000 juniors across Junior Sharks, Sheffield Hatters, and the Sheffield Steel Netball Club (formerly DNC netball club) using the courts. Young people have also taken part in dance workshops, organised school holiday activity programmes, and weekly wheelchair basketball sessions.

The arena is also home to the RESPECT programmes, sponsored by Canon Medical UK and in association with the Sheffield Sharks. These include citizenship workshops and sports sessions designed to lift young people out of a cycle of negative behaviours by involving them in sports and exercise. Since 2020, 5,000 children have taken part in RESPECT (aimed at schoolchildren aged 9–11) and RESPECT TOO (aimed at ages 13–14).

But that’s not all that’s on offer for young people. Sheffield Sharks also work with other education specialists to provide opportunities for over 400 local and international learners, including those who have underachieved in traditional education settings. Classes are delivered in the Hitchman Study Support Centre, a dedicated space for education.

This year, Canon Medical UK has also collaborated with Sheffield Sharks to pilot the Youth Ambassador Scheme. The exciting pilot programme offers two students, who graduated from the RESPECT TOO programme, access to business mentoring, careers and guidance, and work experience at the arena.

Giving back to the community and inspiring the next generation

Finally, the arena has also supported the local community via job creation and investment – and, in doing so, expanded the opportunities available for Sheffield citizens. In just six months of opening, PCA Ltd ploughed £700k back into the local economy via contracts with local suppliers. Job creation in healthcare, administration, and support services is expected to grow as the arena continues to thrive, providing opportunities for young people to enter new and exciting career paths. Currently, employment has been created for 57.5 people.

Jenna Roberts, a Health Care Assistant with LivingCare – operators of the arena’s medical diagnostic suite – is currently studying to become a radiographer. She commented, “Getting hands-on experience with the equipment within the diagnostic suite is extremely beneficial whilst I study. I feel extremely lucky and am excited to accelerate my career in radiography.”

With a long-term goal of tackling the shortage of staff in healthcare, LivingCare launched the LivingCare Healthcare Employers Skills Academy in 2023.  This academy gives students from a local college hands-on experience and insights into healthcare careers, fostering the next generation of healthcare professionals. Through regular engagement, LivingCare helps students gain professional knowledge and prepares them for diverse roles in the health sector. “The aim is to inspire and educate students about careers in healthcare and the latest advancements in medical technology. Participating in the academy can have a significant impact by fostering an early interest in healthcare careers, promoting health literacy, and engaging the local community”, explained Helen White, Managing Director at LivingCare.

Commenting on the success of the arena, Mark Hitchman, Managing Director at Canon Medical Systems UK concluded, “When we first opened Canon Medical Arena, we couldn’t have imagined just how impactful it would be within the local community. Addressing inequality within the Sheffield region and paving the way for a more preventative approach to healthcare has always been a key driving force in this project. We are extremely pleased to see the engagement the arena has had – and the lives it is already starting to change. When we set out to build an arena, it wasn’t something we had to do; we did it because we knew it was the right thing to do. At Canon Medical, we are true believers that by promoting active lifestyles from a young age, we can reduce the risk of chronic disease and work towards a future based on preventative rather than reactive healthcare.”

[1] https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/life-expectancy-sheffield-longest-male-health-divide-4285844

[2] https://www.sheffield.gov.uk/your-city-council/tackling-poverty

[3] https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/map-shows-levels-childhood-obesity-28123022

Picture Caption: Canon Medical Arena, a multi-purpose sports facility and integrated Medical Diagnostic Centre

The Bradford Teaching Hospitals are operated by the Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and are affiliated with the Leeds School of Medicine (Leeds University). The Bradford Teaching Hospitals serve a core population of 500,000 and provide specialist services to around 1.1 million people.

Leading the Way
The Cardiology Department at Bradford Teaching Hospitals delivers a full range of adult cardiac services, including tilt tests, diagnostic and interventional coronary angiography, stress echocardiography, and trans-oesophageal echocardiography. It provides first-line investigation for patients with stable chest pain. It is also used for acute aortic presentations, transcatheter aortic valve insertion (TAVI) assessments, and problem-solving for incidental cardiac and aortic findings.

Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, West Yorkshire, United Kingdom, has developed its Cardiology Department over the years and now provides a comprehensive range of diagnostic and clinical cardiac services to the large population that it serves. Dr Mark Kon, Thoracic Radiologist at Bradford Teaching Hospitals, explains how Canon Medical Systems has delivered imaging solutions that have enabled the Hospitals to meet the continually increasing demands, notably the Vitrea Advanced Visualization post-processing solution, which extends the possibilities with their Aquilion ONE CT scanners.

Dr Kon has been a consultant at the Hospitals for 20 years and has used Canon Medical equipment for a long time. His role includes lung cancer imaging, ultrasound CT-guided thoracic intervention, in collaboration with cardiology colleagues and cardiac CT.

Seeing Beyond
Vitrea Advanced Visualization is an intuitive post-processing software that improves workflow and ensures accurate and efficient clinical diagnosis, supporting healthcare professionals in delivering high-quality patient care. It is especially useful for his work in cardiac CT.

With the Aquilion ONE and Vitrea Advanced Visualization, Bradford Teaching Hospitals were able to develop a regional service that led the way in coronary CT angiography, while adjacent hospitals were still developing their services.

“We started cardiac CT in Bradford over 15 years ago,” he remarked. “Back then, we were using 64 MDCT and developed various beta-blocker regimes to gain heart rate control to minimise radiation dose. We were reliant on well-controlled heart rate with regular sinus rhythm to obtain diagnostic quality images.”

“On-table intravenous beta blocker became routine, and low radiation doses allowed a wider range of patients to be safely scanned.”

Over fifteen years’ experience with intravenous metoprolol, a cardio-selective beta-blocker, allows them to gain rapid heart rate control on table. Patients are scanned at 20-minute intervals allowing for eight to ten patients in a three-hour session.

Robust Imaging
Bradford Teaching Hospitals opened a new CT suite equipped with an Aquilion ONE / PRISM Edition CT scanner in April 2024. With Canon Medical System’s Aquilion ONE imaging, Dr Kon can scan every patient prospectively with one heartbeat scanning.

“Irregular heart rhythms are irrelevant when we only need a single heartbeat,” he said. “Acquiring images in systole and diastole means that even faster heart rates can be successfully imaged. And with such robust imaging, we never turn away any patients.”

The acquisition time with the single heartbeat scanner is less than one second. This means that contrast only has to be present in the coronary arteries for a very short duration, so we only require a short, sharp bolus of contrast, typically 30-50ml at 5-6 ml/s.

By monitoring contrast arrival in the descending aorta, bolus tracking allows the use of trigger acquisition precisely, just when contrast has arrived at the coronary arteries. This avoids wasting time, contrast, and radiation compared to test bolus techniques.

Aquilion ONE now utilises Canon Medical System’s Precise IQ Engine (PIQE). An AI-based Deep Learning Reconstruction algorithm trained on a 0.25 mm dataset which generates sharp, noise-free images. “Reporting cardiac CT seems almost a pleasure with PIQE images!”

Taking a Closer Look
Once the axial dataset has been acquired, Dr Kon and thoracic radiology colleague Dr Marjoram review the images on the Vitrea Advanced Visualization workstation, which automatically generates curved multiplanar reformatted images of the coronary arteries and side branches. It is available to them as an integrated client on any workstation at the different hospital sites of the Bradford Teaching Hospitals.

“I have used several coronary reconstruction software over the years, and I still believe Vitrea Advanced Visualization to be the most powerful,” said Dr Kon. “With a good study, any software can generate curved MPRs. However, when images are a little more challenging, for example, graft studies, tortuous vessels, or partially occluded vessels, Vitrea Advanced Visualization allows accurate correction using a suite of five tools.”

The most automated tool strips away the lungs and thoracic cage leaving the heart and coronary vessels. It automatically detects and tracks the three main coronary territories and generates curved MPRs. Larger branches may also be tracked, awaiting user confirmation for labelling.

A secondary tool enables the user to select any other branch or vessels for automated tracking. This is especially useful for coronary bypass grafts, aberrant origins, or anomalous vessels.

The third ‘pencil’ tool allows the user to manually trace with the mouse missing segments of an incomplete tracked artery. This works best when the segments of interest can be seen on the surface of the 3D-volume rendered model or when the vessel disappears under other cardiac structures, such as the left atrial appendage.

Vitrea Advanced Visualization’s fourth extend tool allows the user to extrapolate from the last tracked point to the final destination, often the aorta. Vitrea Advanced Visualization can successfully trace contrast in the vessel joining two endpoints.

Dr Kon considers Vitrea Advanced Visualization’s fifth tool, Centreline editing, to be the most powerful.

“Centreline editing in Vitrea Advanced Visualization requires a little manual dexterity, but it is this experienced application that makes it so robust,” said Dr Kon. “Literally, with pinpoint accuracy, the centreline of any vessel can be tracked with as few or as many points over as short or as long a segment as required. All without the interference of ‘line dragging’ automation especially seen with tortuous vessels.”

“With Vitrea Advanced Visualization, I can follow any course of any vessel as long as I can see it. And I can always see it,” he added.

Educating Others
Alongside their consultancy work, Dr Kon and his team run three Level Two Cardiac courses each year next to the CT scanning suite at Bradford Royal Infirmary. Vitrea Advanced Visualization has become a key part of the training. The candidates can work independently to learn how to read coronary CT using Vitrea Advanced Visualization software.

“Most of our candidates have very little experience of using software to manipulate coronary images,” explained Dr Kon. “In our courses, we teach them how to read coronary examinations on axial images and how to use the five tools to create curved MPRs. By the end of four days, they are all able to use Vitrea Advanced Visualization software to review cases.”

“Those who have had previous experience of other solutions often say that Vitrea Advanced Visualization is the most intuitive and user friendly,” he said. “I encourage them to explore it.”

Not only do candidates learn how to review images in the courses, but they also get to experience the live acquisition of over 20 cases in the CT scanning suite on both Canon Medical System’s Aquilion Prime 80 MDCT and Aquilion ONE 320 MDCT.

“This allows them to see the different techniques utilised with conventional 4cm scanning and 16cm wide detector single heartbeat scanning,” added Dr Kon.

In addition, Dr Kon presents cardiac CT cases at several meetings, including those organised by the British Cardiac Society, the British Society of Cardiovascular Imaging, and the European Congress of Radiology. Canon supports these shorter demonstration courses by providing a full workstation with the latest edition of Vitrea Advanced Visualization and a database of Dr Kon‘s cases.

“This is far better than using slides or a simple DICOM viewer, which can only demonstrate selected images or axial imaging. Having the full workstation allows me to demonstrate cases using all the tools that Vitrea Advanced Visualization has to offer,” said Dr Kon.  “I start with simple axial viewing, moving to multiplanar reformats. Then, more complex coronary imaging, including grafts and stents. This gives me the chance to demonstrate all the tools Vitrea Advanced Visualization has to offer.”

“The simplicity of Vitrea Advanced Visualization and Aquilion ONE allows me to offer a complete service for my Cardiology colleagues and our patients.”

As part of the Autumn Budget 2024, the government has allocated an extra £25.7 billion to the NHS over this year and next as it looks to reform the service and cut NHS waiting lists. To address the patient backlog, £1.5bn will be made available for new beds across the country, along with more capacity for over a million additional diagnostic tests, surgical hubs and diagnostic centres[1]. However, to achieve increased scanning capacity, this initiative must also address the workforce shortage. Whilst investing in advanced, AI-assisted technology can help improve efficiency, the full benefits will only be realised with a strong, trained workforce.

According to the NHS Long-Term Workforce Plan[2], the starting shortfall between demand and supply for NHS staff is approximately 150,000 full-time equivalents, a gap that is filled with temporary staffing. The plan, which acted as a major milestone for the NHS, is geared towards addressing the chronic staff shortages to meet future demand for healthcare, of which boosting education and training is a crucial element. But how does the NHS meet these commitments?

While education and training are key to future-proofing the NHS, workloads mean that staff need a flexible approach to maintaining and developing their skills – the absence of which is likely to have a detrimental impact on staff wellbeing. Working in a stressful environment, NHS staff across the country are suffering from burnout, with recent studies suggesting this is a rising trend, with one in two reporting ‘feeling very tired or drained’ most days or every day[3].

Increased patient intake, staff shortages and complex funding challenges are putting pressure on existing staff which, paradoxically, is further impacting the patient waiting list and leading to delays in diagnosis.

Investment in education and training is critical

Training and development programmes are designed to empower professionals at all levels with the skills and tools which help to improve their knowledge and competencies, and in turn, their overall health and wellbeing. They are also fundamental for the effective retention and recruitment of healthcare staff, by ensuring the workforce remains engaged, motivated, and most importantly updated on the latest technology and skills required to deliver the best care for patients.

In June 2023, when setting out its plan to rebuild the NHS through training, retention and reform, NHS England identified that while the education and training pipeline has increased, growing by 25% since 2010, the number of staff trained has not kept pace with the demand for NHS services.[4]

Whilst being time-poor is a significant barrier to ongoing development for healthcare workers, there’s also an inconsistency in the allocation of budgets across hospitals and Trusts in England for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courses. In some cases, this results in staff choosing to fund their own training to continue their professional development. This can prove challenging for healthcare professionals to maintain and acquire the necessary knowledge and skills needed to deliver safe and quality care.

To address these challenges, the 2024-27 NHS Education Funding Agreement[5] has been introduced across England to achieve a consistent, nationwide approach to the management of funding for education and training made available.

How can training be delivered effectively and cost-efficiently?

E-learning platforms offer a convenient and accessible way for healthcare professionals to enhance their skills and knowledge, hosting a wealth of resources, including video content from clinicians, top tips on how to use medical equipment, as well as webinars on clinical areas of expertise. One of the most significant benefits of providing complimentary On-Demand and CPD-accredited training in the healthcare industry is their flexibility and accessibility.

Healthcare professionals often have busy schedules, and work irregular hours, making it challenging to attend traditional face-to-face courses or events. E-learning courses allow them the flexibility to learn at their own pace and on their own schedule, fitting training around their work and personal commitments. Ultimately, this can lead to improved patient care, increased job satisfaction, and career advancement opportunities.

To this end, NHS Trusts should seek partners that offer additional educational and clinical resources tailored to the needs of healthcare professionals.[6] The ‘Breast and Gynaecology Days’ webinar series, for example, is designed to be engaging for clinicians at all career stages, with specialists sharing practical insights on breast imaging and the value of a comprehensive multiparametric approach.

Education in practice

In-person training remains a huge part of healthcare education, where clinicians are given the opportunity to hone their practical skills and learn from experts, while promoting greater interaction and the opportunity to ask questions. Receiving hands-on practice and highly skilled support is a valued aspect of face-to-face courses – it helps to inspire confidence in newly developed skills, which can then be used clinically, for the benefit of both patients and colleagues.

There is an increasing reliance on industry providers to help support healthcare providers’ educational programmes both face-to-face and online. The blended approach of e-learning with in-person training gives clinicians more flexibility over how and when they can access training, thereby making education more accessible and inclusive. For example, by partnering with the right equipment supplier, hospitals and Trusts could benefit from a mixture of lectures by faculty members, aimed at developing knowledge, and technology-focused workshops using the latest diagnostic imaging equipment.

Healthcare conferences and industry events, such as the UK Imaging & Oncology (UKIO)[7] Congress and the British Medical Ultrasound Society (BMUS)[8], also play a crucial role in facilitating knowledge exchange, networking, and collaboration within the healthcare industry. With many offering complimentary access for healthcare professionals, congresses typically bring together a diverse range of industry experts including clinicians, researchers, and policymakers. From showcasing groundbreaking research into the latest advancements to discussing emerging trends and innovations, these events provide invaluable opportunities for professionals and organisations to stay informed and connected. In addition, many large providers are also on-stand to provide expert insights and offer interactive demonstrations designed to enhance knowledge of the latest practices.

Aside from the big industry conferences, there are also smaller face-to-face events, which are often considered more cost-effective for clinicians. These include events such as BSIR Annual Scientific Meeting[9] and BSCI Annual Scientific Meeting 2024[10].  Traditionally, corporate events have been held in large cities. However, rising travel costs due to inflation and labour shortages mean that regional events are becoming a more attractive option as they require less travel for attendees.

Upskilling the workforce for a brighter future

The importance of education in healthcare cannot be underestimated. It is hoped that the 2025 update of the NHS Long-Term Workforce Plan will be a significant step forward in addressing education and training concerns, ensuring clinicians work in a positive culture, with opportunities to develop their skills, and have the necessary support to manage the complex and often stressful working environment.

With the demand on diagnostics showing no signs of slowing down, addressing the barriers surrounding education and training for the medical imaging workforce, including radiographers, sonographers and clinicians, and making it more accessible, has never been more important. New treatments, diagnostic tools, healthcare policies and practices are evolving constantly, influenced by new technologies, regulations, health trends, and societal needs. By prioritising training and continuous education, healthcare professionals can stay abreast of these changes and adapt their practices accordingly, ensuring they apply the most current and effective practices in patient care. Continuing education is not just an option but a necessity for success and excellence, ultimately, leading to better outcomes for patients.

[1]https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/672232d010b0d582ee8c4905/Autumn_Budget_2024__web_accessible_.pdf

[2]https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/nhs-long-term-workforce-plan-2/

[3] https://www.sor.org/news/government-nhs/nhs-research-finds-rising-burnout-it-doesnt-have

[4] https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/nhs-long-term-workforce-plan-2/.

[5] https://www.england.nhs.uk/long-read/nhs-education-funding-agreement-2024-27-supporting-guide/

[6] https://www.england.nhs.uk/terms-and-conditions-2/new-nhs-education-contract/

[7]https://www.ukio.org.uk/

[8]https://www.bmus.org/

[9] https://www.bsir.org/

[10] https://bsci.org.uk/