Patients to benefit from radiology upgrade for WVT

Patients undergoing treatment at Ross Community Hospital will be among the first to benefit after Wye Valley NHS Trust signed a contract with Philips - a globally leading health technology company.

The contract will mean a major upgrade of imaging equipment – for example, X-ray machines, CT and fluoroscopy – at both Hereford County Hospital and at Ross-on-Wye and Leominster community hospitals.

The eleven-year multi-million partnership agreement will the see latest equipment and technology systems installed across Herefordshire. This will mean quicker diagnostic times for patients as well as better working environments for staff and patients to be treated in.

“This is great news for the people of Herefordshire and beyond who need treatment at Wye Valley NHS Trust,” said Robert Griffiths, radiology services manager.

“The first patients to benefit from new equipment will be those attending Ross Community Hospital where a new state-of-the-art X-ray system has been installed, bringing more flexibility and capacity to the department.

“The new machine is better for patients as it is more sensitive and therefore uses less X-rays and is more efficient for our staff meaning images can be processed and viewed much more quickly that we were able to in the past.

“This agreement with Philips is an exciting moment for the Trust and this new X-ray system at Ross Community Hospital demonstrates the Trust’s commitment to delivering quality services in communities across the county close to people’s homes.”

Under the contract, Philips is committed to hitting a number of important performance targets, which include ensuring minimal down-time of equipment, prompt equipment repair and if required replacement, waste reduction and improved capacity planning to facilitate an expanded radiology department and ability to respond to increased patient demand.

Philips will also provide staff training on an ongoing basis to ensure the Trust makes the most of the opportunities provided within the partnership.

Stephanie Holden, managed service director at Philips, said: “An opportunity to work with a partner like Wye Valley NHS Trust in a long-term capacity is a privilege for Philips and one we’re committed to making a success.

“We want this partnership to ensure the provision of high quality local services, focused on enhanced patient experience and satisfaction, with capacity planning to meet patient demand and facilitate service transformation.

“We’re eager to strategically help the Trust plan for a long-term future as a community pillar for far beyond the life of this contract, while minimising any service disruption as short-term transition work is carried out.”