Essex cancer patients can now benefit from faster scans, shorter waits and a more comfortable environment following the opening of a new PET-CT facility.
The purpose-built single-storey centre features the very latest in imaging technology, and has already welcomed its first patients at Southend Hospital. It represents a major upgrade to the hospital’s existing PET-CT service.
Featuring a state-of-the-art scanner and significantly expanded areas for patients before and after scanning, the extra capacity will help support growing demand for cancer and other specialist diagnostic imaging.
This new facility is a significant enhancement to our existing PET-CT service, helping us deliver the high standard of care our patients deserve.
Dr Shaifali Jain, Consultant Radiologist for Cancer Services, MSEFT
The combination of modern scanner technology, increased capacity and improved patient facilities means we can provide a better experience for patients while supporting faster access to high-quality diagnostic imaging.
The equipment provides faster scans and is expected to allow around five extra patients to be scanned each day – an increase in capacity of over 20 per cent.
Dr Jonathan Mo, Consultant Radiologist, MSEFT
The new centre has been designed to improve every stage of the patient journey. Six dedicated rooms provide comfortable spaces where patients can wait after receiving a tracer injection and before undergoing their scan.
Larger waiting areas and improved patient flow will also help reduce congestion and create a calmer environment during what can be an anxious time for many people. The centre also includes a laboratory, booking office and improved support facilities for patients and staff.
The facility is the result of several years of planning and collaboration between clinical, operational and estates teams. Owned and run by Alliance Medical, it represents a major investment in the future of diagnostic services at Southend Hospital.
The first patients were scanned in the new centre late last month and the facility is now fully operational.
Located next to the Outpatients Department, this new dedicated unit replaces the previous scanner and reception areas that operated from a temporary mobile scanning unit, providing a much better patient experience.