United Lincolnshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust has upgraded its three Community Diagnostics Centres (CDCs) in Lincoln, Skegness and Grantham with advanced CT and ultrasound systems from Canon Medical Systems, aiming to reduce wait times and improve access to care.
The installation of four Aquilion Prime SP CT scanners and seven Aplio i-series / Prism Edition ultrasound systems has enabled over 100,000 CT scans and 130,000 ultrasound scans annually. The technology is helping ease pressure on Lincolnshire’s hospitals, with a reported 40% reduction in routine diagnostics demand.
Afra Sulfikher, Trust-wide CT Lead at ULTH, said: “Choosing the right CT scanners for our community diagnostic centres was a bit like picking the perfect family car – we needed something reliable, safe and comfortable for everyone – radiographers and our broad cohort of patients.”
The new CT systems use AI-powered automation to streamline workflows, reducing scan times from 15 minutes to just eight or nine. Afra explained: “By investing in new scanners with Canon Medical, the advances in technology has allowed us to access improved image quality with lower radiation doses. It’s comparable to getting a clearer photo but with less flash.”
Same-day diagnostics are now available for lung cancer and angina pathways. Patients can receive chest X-rays and cardiac CT scans on the day of their appointment, with results often reported immediately. Afra commented: “Having the capacity to offer same-day results and follow-up scans is fantastic. Patients are naturally anxious when they come for these tests, so reducing the wait between appointments can minimise this.”
The CDCs are also improving access for rural and coastal communities, helping reduce travel burdens and hospital congestion.
