www.nuffielddiagnostics.org.uk

Nuffield Diagnostics is a nationwide network of 40 imaging and pathology locations offering state-of-the-art MRI, CT, X-Ray, Ultrasound and laboratory services to the NHS, corporate and self-pay markets.

Stunning technology – unique in Britain

Between 2007 and 2009, the organisation is investing £50 million into developing this new national service.

“Whether it is the NHS increasing the choice of provider for NHS-funded patients, or looking for additional capacity to reduce waiting times, or a company arranging health checks for its staff, people are looking for local access to a nationally-available, accredited and respected service”, says Andrew Allen, Chief Executive of Nuffield Diagnostics.

One of the most exciting developments is the introduction of a new fleet of ‘easy access’ mobile MRI units which deploy an innovative delivery platform.

“Healthcare professionals who are familiar with mobile MRI will be amazed when they see these vehicles”, explains Simon Maharg, Nuffield Diagnostics’ Sales and Marketing Director.

“They are purpose-built to lock into and support the entire Nuffield Diagnostics offer, which means that they can be easily used by older people, or those with mobility problems, for example.

“We can now offer relatively low-cost MRI scanning to all our markets - which means that MRI becomes as affordable to a self-pay patient as it does to the NHS under Patient Choice”.

Equipped with the GE Signa HDx 1.5 tesla imager, the units offer the latest in MRI scanning with high-end orthopaedic and mammography applications and special software that provides clear brain images even on patients who move involuntarily.

The organisation has added significant investment in staff, technology and infrastructure to its unrivalled experience of working alongside the NHS to integrate cost-effective radiology and pathology solutions into a single dedicated organisation.

The 40 locations feature Agfa’s next generation PACS (Picture Archiving and Communications System), IMPAX™ 6.2™, the RIS (Radiology Information System), the CR (Computed Radiography) systems and Initiate™ MPI, providing Nuffield Diagnostics with a nationally-networked cutting-edge digital imaging and data-management platform.

Meanwhile, following Lord Carter’s report into pathology, Nuffield Diagnostics has created an integrated service by developing a new central laboratory and upgrading labs in a further 20 hospitals, nine of which become regional hubs providing specialised support to blood transfusion users.

All the hubs are linked by a nationwide IT platform, overlaying common protocols and procedures and producing standardised reports.

Now, Nuffield Diagnostics’ extended pathology network is able to cope with increased demand, just as more PCTs are choosing to outsource elements of their diagnostic services.

From his position at the head of Britain’s new national diagnostic support service, Andrew Allen can see that the investment is increasing quality, capacity and capability. Even more importantly, it is creating a flexible, experienced and knowledgeable organisation that can quickly adapt to the ever-changing mosaic of healthcare provision in the UK.

“The diagnostic staff in Nuffield’s hospitals are now part of one, dedicated, nationwide service. It is the skill, professionalism and care of our staff that marks Nuffield’s offer out from everyone else’s”.

“They are now working with adaptive technology so that, for example, our systems not only link in to Choose and Book but will also be able to work in the future with more distributed systems such as community-based point-of-care testing”, he said.

“We have taken all of those much-admired Nuffield strengths that have been built up over the last 50 years, added today’s must-have technology and implemented it in a nationwide network accessible to everyone”.

Tel: 0845 136 9336
Email: info@nuffielddiagnostics.org.uk
Web: www.nuffielddiagnostics.org.uk

 

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