InHealth, leading provider of diagnostic and imaging services, has now completed the final installation of four Biograph™ 6 TruePoint™ PET•CT systems from Siemens Healthcare into mobile vehicles. The systems are used in the staging of various cancers, providing detailed information on the biochemical functions of the body. A hybrid system such as the Biograph combines metabolic and anatomical information in one examination for quick diagnosis and precise localisation of both healthy and diseased tissue.
InHealth has been providing PET•CT scans using mobile vehicles to NHS patients through the Independent Sector Treatment Centre wave 2 contract since April 2008. The mobile vehicles visit 12 locations across five strategic health authorities in the South of England, meeting the needs of 11 cancer care networks and integrating fully with clinical pathways for more efficient oncology management. A robust mobile screening service that covers a large number of localities also means that patients can be scanned as close to their local cancer unit as possible.
“Mobile services have the added benefit over static services in that they can reach a wider range of patients, moving from one location to another to meet local needs,” said Jonathan Gifford, Operations Director at InHealth. “By bringing these systems closer to the community we can reduce anxiety and lengthy travel requirements for patients undergoing cancer scans. The fourth Biograph installation has strengthened our service as chosen independent sector partner for delivering the NHS PET•CT Diagnostic Imaging Service in the South of England.”
“Fused PET•CT images yield considerable benefits as they deliver a greater depth of information that can more accurately assess tumours. This allows the best possible treatment pathway to be put in place,” said Lawrence Foulsham, Product Manager for Molecular Imaging & Oncology at Siemens Healthcare. “By supplying the innovative Biograph systems to InHealth, Siemens has been able to assist in the effort to provide high quality, effective scans that reach patients in their communities. This is part of the Department of Health’s drive to improve access to PET•CT in the UK and provide a more convenient service that reaches patients closer to home.”
This commitment is part of an initiative launched by the Department of Health to ensure equality of access to PET across the UK. A subsequent report highlighted major differences between PET scanning facilities in the UK in comparison with Europe.* At that time, five European countries already had at least one scanner per two million patients, compared with one per five million of the population in the UK. The new mobile trailer initiative will assist the NHS in meeting the recommendations of the report.
The Biograph 6 TruePoint PET•CT is a flexible, high-powered imaging system that offers enhanced image quality for effective cancer staging and treatment planning. The Biograph’s revolutionary TrueV technology offers increased axial coverage of the PET field of view by 33%, resulting in an astounding 70% increase in Noise Equivalent Count (NEC) performance. This doubles the clinical performance or allows 50% less injected dose to the patient. TrueV is field upgradeable option on all Biograph TruePoint PET•CT systems.
Notes to editors:
* A Framework for the Development of Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Services in England, Department of Health, October 2005
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.
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