New £1.2m CT scanner unveiled by team GB cycling champion, Lauren Bell, delivers faster diagnoses for patients at Spire Cheshire Hospital

Spire Cheshire Hospital has installed a new, £1.2m state-of-the-art CT scanner, which will speed up diagnoses for patients with underlying health concerns, such as those on a cancer pathway, or with a cardiac condition. The new scanner was unveiled by team Great Britain cycling champion and Ambassador for charity, Brainwave, Lauren Bell. The new scanner will produce higher quality diagnostic images and specialist scans such as cardiac imaging, in a fraction of the time. Both NHS and private patients will benefit from this new equipment, which will help alleviate some of the pressures on waiting lists and reduce diagnosis waiting times in the local area.

The new scanner is part of an on-going investment project in Spire Cheshire Hospital’s imaging department to install new equipment and improve patient comfort. Using this new CT scanner, radiographers are able to perform scans for a wide range of areas including, cardiac, neurological, oncology, gastrointestinal and orthopaedic imaging.

The scanner allows for certain scans, such as cardiac imaging, to be completed in one rotation, which provides a quicker and more comfortable experience for the patient. It is also able to scan specific body parts without the need to physically move the patient, which could be uncomfortable if they are already in pain. The new technology, combined with the scanner’s ability to image the patient quickly, delivers a higher quality diagnostic image for the consultants to use in their diagnosis of the patient’s condition. The scan table is now able to accommodate bariatric patients so they can also be imaged safely and comfortably.

Ben White, Hospital Director at Spire Cheshire Hospital, said: "Our priority is to provide patients with rapid access to diagnosis and outstanding personalised treatment when needed. Our investment in advanced facilities like the new CT scanner helps us maintain the high standard of care our patients expect.

We understand that coming into hospital for a scan can be a stressful time for patients. However, knowing that they will be seen promptly in a comfortable environment, scanned with the latest technology, and receive a quick diagnosis is crucial – and we are pleased to offer this service.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to British cycling champion and Brainwave charity Ambassador, Lauren Bell, for attending the opening of our new CT scanning facility. We are pleased to have been able to donate to support Brainwave’s Therapy Access Fund, which provides therapy and support to children with disabilities, helping them achieve greater independence.”

From left to right: Carolyn Jones, Joanne Freeman from Brainwave, Lauren Bell, Ben White, Owen Carton and Louise Okell