Agfa HealthCare announces that the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust has chosen two DX-D 100+ mobile direct radiography (DR) units for the Burnley Hospital and Royal Blackburn Hospital. These were the first mobile DR systems for the hospitals, and were purchased through a competitive selection.
Immediate image capture and validation
The East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust counts a total of over 950 in-patient beds between Burnley General Hospital and Royal Blackburn Hospital, in addition to other premises and health centres offering a range of outpatient and inpatient services throughout East Lancashire.
Last year, the Trust purchased the new mobile DR imaging systems, one for each hospital. Purchased via NHS Supply Chain, the two DX-D 100+ units were chosen over competitive systems thanks to its robustness, ease of use and high image quality.
Designed for mobile use, the DX-D 100+ can handle a broad range of general radiography and pediatric X-ray studies, and is ideal for the least mobile patients. It delivers mobile imaging excellence, with instant high-quality image capture and immediate image validation, transfer and access, even by the bedside. MUSICA image processing software delivers excellent contrast detail, exam-independent, consistent image quality and excellent capability for dealing with a variety of exam types and body parts without having to re-adjust the system.
A more efficient department workflow
Since the new DR systems have been implemented, the two hospitals have noted image quality and efficiency enhancements: users no longer have to return to the imaging department to process images, which are available immediately. The images can also be sent wirelessly to the picture archiving and communication system (PACS) enabling faster report turnaround times. Should the hospitals wish, they can also integrate the mobile DR units with the Trust's radiology information system (RIS), allowing users to see work lists, and to create new exams while outside of the imaging department.
"We chose the DX-D 100+ mobile for numerous reasons," comments Carol Wood Radiology Clinical Services Manager of East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust. "The image quality is excellent and the unit has a large clear screen to view and process the images. There are multiple easy-to-use image processing options that enhance the ability to identify lines. This has proved particularly beneficial in the Cardiac/Coronary Care Unit and Neonatal Intensive Care unit (CCU/NICU), as the referrer can immediately assess the image and subsequently reposition lines if necessary. Imaging performed can also be checked without the need to move from the bedside! This increases our efficiency as a service as well as the quality of care received by our patients. The smooth drive and separate batteries for driving and imaging are also a bonus, allowing greater usage time so more patients can benefit."
She adds, "Agfa HealthCare has provided us with an excellent service from the start of the procurement process, through to delivery of the mobile machines, applications training and after sales service."
"We are very pleased that the East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust chose Agfa HealthCare solutions to implement mobile DR in its hospitals," comments Grant Witheridge, General Manager of Agfa HealthCare UK. "We work with a number of other NHS Trusts, and remain committed to bringing the benefits of DR to hospitals, healthcare providers and, ultimately, patients."
Related news articles:
- Agfa HealthCare's Profile
About Agfa
The Agfa-Gevaert Group is one of the world’s leading companies in imaging and information technology. Agfa develops manufactures and markets analogue and digital systems for the printing industry (Agfa Graphics), for the healthcare sector (Agfa HealthCare), and for specific industrial applications (Agfa Materials). Agfa is headquartered in Mortsel, Belgium. The company is present in 40 countries and has agents in another 100 countries around the globe. The Agfa-Gevaert Group achieved a turnover of 2,865 million euro in 2013.
About Agfa HealthCare
Agfa HealthCare, a member of the Agfa-Gevaert Group, is a leading global provider of diagnostic imaging and healthcare IT solutions. The company has nearly a century of healthcare experience and has been a pioneer on the healthcare IT market since the early 1990's. Today Agfa HealthCare designs, develops and delivers state-of-the-art systems for capturing, managing and processing diagnostic images and clinical/administrative information for hospitals and healthcare facilities, as well as contrast media solutions to enable effective medical imaging results. The company has sales offices and agents in over 100 markets worldwide. Sales for Agfa HealthCare in 2013 were 1,160 million euro.