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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.

Good Hope to showcase innovative equipment for speedy scanning

Good Hope Hospital will be showcasing its new radiology facilities with latest scanning technology on 11 December. The event will be opened by Free Radio presenter, Russ Morris.

The Hospital has invested over £1.5 million in modernised technology and rennovated areas of the radiology department including a new state-of-the-art CT scanner. This scanner will improve patients’ experience through faster scanning, reduced exposure to radiation and more efficient diagnosis through clearer images.

Approximately 13,000 patients per year have a CT scan at Good Hope to diagnose and monitor a variety of health conditions including cancer.

Theresa Hull, radiographer at Good Hope said:

“We’re very pleased with this new investment in technology, which will give patients a quicker, more comfortable experience and look forward to opening the doors to staff; local GPs and the public to come ans see what facilities we have to offer in the radiology department.”

Celebrate World Radiography Day 2012

WRD-logo2012World radiography day is celebrated on 8 November each year. The date marks the anniversary of the discovery of x-radiation by Roentgen in 1895. Radiographers worldwide can use the day and the days around the date to promote radiography as a career, as a vital contribution to modern healthcare and as a chance to increase public awareness of diagnostic imaging and radiation therapy. On this page you will find news of world radiography day events by SoR members. All of the materials and advice about celebrating and promoting radiography is here.

Visit the Society of Radiographers – World Radiography Day website entirely about world radiography day.

Ever thought of being a radiographer? Download a leaflet which describes what radiographers do and (in the UK) what skills and qualifications are required.

Annual Health and Social Care Awards

HEFT staff cleaned up at the Annual Health and Social Care Awards this summer, hosted each year by Birmingham City University’s Faculty of Health to celebrate educational achievements from nominated students, teaching staff and clinical placement areas.

As well as the practice placement team proudly collecting a student nominated practice award on behalf of Ward 11 at Heartlands Hospital, two diploma nursing students, Holly Flannagan and Rose Beirne were awarded certificates of commendation following a patient nomination for excellent care at Solihull Hospital.

An award was also given to Bala Katyal, who received a Student Nominated Practice Award for Allied Health Professionals. Having recently graduated from a BSC (Hons) degree in diagnostic radiography, Heartlands radiographer, Thomas McHugh gained the highest mark on his course and won a student of excellence award.

Rachael Priddle, Practice Placement Manager, said:

“We were very honoured to share such stories of excellence for both students and mentors alike and be part of the celebrations for those hard working clinical areas that provide excellent placement experiences for our future nurses and clinicians at HEFT.”

Super new heart laboratory opens at Heartlands Hospital

dr-murray-cath-lab013Heartlands Hospital’s new cardiac catheterisation laboratory (cath lab) is now officially open for business.

At an investment of over half a million plus building works, the facility strengthens the Hospital’s cardiology department as a leading centre in the West Midlands. The new cath lab, which contains state of the art diagnostic imaging equipment, is used to support patients undergoing coronary procedures.

Dr R Gordon Murray, recently retired leading national expert and consultant cardiologist, officially opened the cath lab. Dr Murray said:

“Heartlands Hospital already has an established cath lab facility which is second to none and together with the new lab, patients will really benefit from the best possible care and treatment. Between the two labs we expect to see more than 1,600 patients receiving treatment of coronary artery blockages per year and I know we shall continue to deliver a service at the leading edge of cardiology.”

Hospital Staff to shine as Olympic Torchbearers

Heartlands_Hospital_758760_i0Four members of staff from Birmingham Heartlands Hospital have been chosen to carry the Olympic flame in Coventry this summer.

Consultant ophthalmologist, Ian Cunliffe, radiographer, Theresa Duffy, fundraising manager, Richa Gautam, and graphic designer, Stuart Hudson, have been chosen to be among 8,000 inspirational people nominated nationally to bear the torch on its journey around the UK.

The lucky four were chosen to shine a light for the West Midlands in recognition of their work to set up a sports initiative to promote health and well being among the 10,000 staff at Heart of England NHS Foundation Trust.

The sports programme was created in line with the national NHS 2012 Challenge to encourage NHS staff to improve their health through physical activity. The Department of Health Initiative was inspired by the London 2012 Games and is a response to Dr Boorman’s health and well-being report to encourage NHS staff to use physical activity as a means to get fitter and be better role models for patients.

Mr Ian Cunliffe said:

“It is an honour to carry the Olympic torch – for me it’s a real tribute to the effort the whole team has made in developing and working on the NHS Challenge. The NHS Challenge aims to get staff healthier and fitter through a whole range of physical activities and it has proved to be a real hit with staff across our three Hospital sites.”

The London 2012 Organising Committee nominations process for torchbearers ran from May to June 2011 and selection panels were held around the UK in the autumn. Tens of thousands of nominations were made to the Committee before the selected torchbearers were finally announced.

Thank you gift helps Hospital radiology department

Solihull Hospital’s radiology department has received a generous donation from the family of a former patient to say a big ‘thank-you’ for the care he received.

Walter Deakin (Wally), from Knowle, died aged 80 in January 2010 after a long battle with chronic lymphatic leukaemia. Instead of flowers and in memory of his time spent at the Hospital, his wife Audrey asked for donations. Along with her daughter Sandy Marshall, an administrator in the Hospital’s acute medical unit who previously worked as a radiology assistant, she raised over £1,000 for the radiology department.

Site Lead radiographer Gill Tomlinson said:

“We wanted to improve the experience of patients coming to the department and purchased a range of equipment including a drugs cabinet for the acute medical unit and a heat sensitive panel for children to play with while they are in the waiting area.”

Audrey Deakin said:

“I just wanted to purchase some equipment for them as a thank you. Everyone has been absolutely brilliant.”