Rapid and convenient access to healthcare is a main priority in the modern NHS. One area that is gaining momentum in the primary care setting is adult transthoracic echocardiography (echo).
Echotech, an independent provider of echocardiography services to the Primary Care Sector, recently received six ACUSON P50™ laptop ultrasound systems from Siemens Healthcare to provide community based services to Primary Care Trusts (PCTs). It has now announced a guide for healthcare professionals on the use of echo in the management of clinical disease.
“Each year thousands of transthoracic echocardiograms are performed. This will continue to rise as it is relatively inexpensive, accurate and non-invasive,” states Dominic Elton, Managing Director of Echotech Limited. “Community based echo clinics and the availability of high resolution portable ultrasound systems have been positive drivers in this change, the new challenge is for GPs to interpret echocardiography reports.”
Declan Dunphy, Ultrasound Product Manager at Siemens Healthcare states, “Innovation is an enabler in the 21st century NHS. The smaller and more portable ultrasound gets, the more opportunities it presents beyond the walls of the traditional hospital environment.”
The Echo Handbook explains the principals of echo, presents information on the reasons for requesting the examination and details how the results should be interpreted in a clinical context. Copies can be obtained free of charge by visiting www.echotech.co.uk.
About Siemens Healthcare
The Siemens Healthcare Sector is one of the world’s largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is a renowned medical solutions provider with core competence and innovative strength in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies as well as in knowledge engineering, including information technology and system integration. With its laboratory diagnostics acquisitions, Siemens Healthcare is the first integrated healthcare company, bringing together imaging and lab diagnostics, therapy and healthcare information technology solutions, supplemented by consulting and support services. Siemens Healthcare delivers solutions across the entire continuum of care – from prevention and early detection, to diagnosis, therapy and care. Additionally, Siemens Healthcare is the global market leader in innovative hearing instruments. The company employs more than 49,000 people worldwide and operates in 130 countries. In the fiscal year 2008 (Sept. 30), Siemens Healthcare reported sales of €11.2 billion, orders of €11.8 billion, and Sector profit of €1.2 billion. Further information can be found by visiting http://www.siemens.co.uk/healthcare.
About Echotech Limited
Echotech was formed in 2001 and currently provides echocardiography services to approximately 20 Primary Care Trusts and four acute NHS Trusts. The company employs highly skilled BSE accredited cardiac physiologists utilising the very latest mobile ultrasound equipment to deliver transthoracic echos to NHS patients across a very wide geographical area.
For more information please contact:
Siemens Healthcare
T: 01276 696000
E: medmarketing.med.gb@siemens.com
W: http://www.siemens.co.uk/healthcare
