Step forward for state-of-the-art ACAD Centre

Heartlands Hospital has secured the initial £3m funding required to kick start the ‘design and enabling works’ of a new, state-of-the-art health centre building on the site. The opening of a proposed Ambulatory Care And Diagnostics (ACAD) Centre would provide world-class facilities and equipment, giving thousands of patients access to high quality care in a new and improved environment.

The estimated £70m project would also help the hospital better manage the increasing demands on its services. Endoscopy, outpatients and a range of day case procedures and associated imaging are thought to be some of the vital services likely to be housed within the building.

Dame Julie Moore, interim chief executive said: “We have been in negotiations for some time with the Treasury and are very pleased to have now secured the first tranche of funding we need to take this ambitious project forward.

This much-needed investment for Heartlands will make a huge difference to how many of our services are run and will greatly benefit our patients’ and staff’s experience. Although nationally Trusts are currently subject to increased scrutiny, we remain confident and hopeful that following the initial ‘enabling works’ stage, we can secure further funding to proceed to the building phase.”

Solihull Hospital Breast Imaging Team introduce latest 3D screening technology

Solihull Hospital patients are to benefit from the latest in 3D diagnostic screening to detect breast cancer.  In December 2016, the Breast Imaging Team at Solihull Hospital upgraded to the GE’s SenoClaire Tomosynthesis equipment which uses a low dose x-ray sweep equivalent to that of a 2D acquisition.

Following the investment, the most up-to-date technologies will be available to patients using the Symptomatic Breast Service at Heart of England NHS Foundation. We perform up to five procedures a week and are collecting data to support a clinical audit of the use of Tomosynthesis within our symptomatic service. The improved 3D image quality will allow the team to provide the highest level of care possible to all patients.

Before receiving the new equipment, local protocol was to use two view Tomosynthesis (CC and MLO) to the appropriate breast, with the intention of replacing the need for traditional paddle views in patients with asymmetric densities/distortions of the breast.

The new equipment will enable the trust to compare findings to those of other centres within the UK using the technology.