Hospitals in England having to rely on ‘obsolete’ imaging equipment

Around a third of NHS trusts in England are using “technically obsolete” imaging equipment that could be putting the health of patients at risk, while current shortages of doctors who are qualified to diagnose and treat injuries and disease using medical imaging techniques could triple by 2030.

 

According to data obtained through freedom of information requests, 27.1 per cent of NHS trusts in England have at least one CT scanner that is ten years old or more, while 34.5 per cent have at least one MRI scanner the same age.  These machines are used to diagnose various conditions, including stroke and heart disease, cancer, detect damage to internal organs and bones, or guide further treatment.

 

A report by NHS England published last year recommended that all imaging equipment aged ten years or older be replaced.  It said that software upgrades may not be possible on older machines, limiting their use, while older CT scanners may require higher radiation doses to deliver the same image.

 

Dr Julian Elford, medical director and consultant radiologist at the Royal College of Radiologists, said “CT and MRI machines start to become technically obsolete at ten years.  Older kit breaks down frequently, is slower, and produces poorer quality images, so upgrading is critical.

 

“We don’t just need upgraded scanners, though; we need significantly more scanners in the first place.  The NHS England report called for doubling the number of scanners – we firmly support that call, and recommend a government-funded programme for equipment replacement on an appropriate cycle so that radiologists can diagnose and treat their patients safely.”

 

Chadwick Lawrence’s specialist team of clinical negligence lawyers have years of experience in medical negligence claims, providing support and guidance after life-changing events.  Not only do we represent clients in Yorkshire, but because of our reputation we also represent clients nationally.

 

If you believe that you or a relative may have been injured as a result of clinical/medical negligence, please call for free legal advice from our medical negligence solicitors on the freephone number below.

 

Posted by Karen Motley, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (tonymay@chadlaw.co.uk ), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

 

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