The University of Hertfordshire Medical Imaging and Radiation Sciences recently invested in its first CT scanner for the Department of Allied Health Professions and Midwifery (AHPM), School of Health and Social Work. The new Canon Medical scanner, which will be used for teaching and research for the undergraduates and postgraduate radiography programmes, will help contribute to the University’s strategic objectives, ensuring that the University remains at the forefront of health education for radiography.
The Aquilion 64 CT system has been delivered with DICOM enhanced for rapid data transfer, it also comes with an array of software packages and is cardiac enabled, which will allow students to carry out prospective cardiac gating studies. An easy system on which to train, it is equipped with remote diagnostics, and has a small footprint for installation in a compact area.
The next generation of radiographers with the University will be training and conducting research on Canon Medical CT technology, Louise Smith, Postgraduate Subject Lead & Postgraduate Programme Tutor says, “Due to the constraints of the imaging service and ionising radiation implications it is not always possible for students to practise imaging techniques whilst on clinical placement. The availability of this specialist equipment for simulation at the University will greatly increase the student understanding and confidence in the functioning and application of this imaging modality, which will ultimately influence the quality of patient experience and care received.”
Louise continues, “The availability of a CT scanner will also be an excellent resource to expand research opportunities for both undergraduate and postgraduate students. The use of CT as a modality is growing and further research on this modality would enhance the evidence-base in this area. Currently there is one PhD level experimental project being undertaken within Diagnostic Imaging and Radiography at the University into the important area of CT research – radiation dose reduction. The availability and continuity of onsite equipment will greatly enhance and ensure the robustness of the research results for worldwide dissemination.”
Another predicted benefit of the investment in the new scanner is that it will improve the learning experience for international postgraduate students. Louise says, “Currently there are only a very small number of international students on the postgraduate programme at the University of Hertfordshire and having the Canon Medical scanner on site will be an attractive marketing tool to potential applicants, as we will be able to offer experience with state-of-the-art equipment. This will give us the scope needed to expand this potential market.”
Summing up, Louise concludes, “The training and follow-up service offered by Canon Medical has been excellent. Hopefully the purchase of the scanner is the start of a partnership, which will offer opportunities for future synergies with Canon Medical for teaching and research, benefiting both the University and its students and staff.”
Photo:
Shown left to right, Alan Hilliard, Principal Lecturer; Louise Smith, Postgraduate Subject Lead & Postgraduate Programme Tutor; Richard Cherrill, Senior Lecturer; Louise Hadley, Senior Lecturer and Jamile Siddiqui, Account Manager, Canon Medical
Canon Medical offers a full range of diagnostic medical imaging solutions, including ultrasound, CT, X-ray and MR, across the globe. As of December 2016, Canon Medical became a member of the Canon Group. In line with our continued Made for Life philosophy patients are at the heart of everything we do. Our mission is to provide medical professionals with solutions that support their efforts in contributing to the health and wellbeing of patients worldwide so that together our industry-leading solutions deliver an enriched quality of life.
Canon Medical has a carbon-zero project in place. We have calculated the carbon footprint for each of our products to include manufacturing, shipping, delivery and average hospital energy used for the standard lifetime of the equipment, as follows:
CT equates to 12 stoves and 48,365 litres of water