NHS Wales has partnered with InHealth to provide a mobile CT scanner for patients at Withybush Hospital.
The mobile CT scanner is intended to improve patient experience, reduce waiting lists, speed up access to scans and support clinical teams with high-quality imaging.
In total, the InHealth Group operates a fleet of over 100 mobile units across the UK.
The NHS and InHealth Group partnered together during the pandemic in 2020 to increase the supply of scanners and expert radiographers.
The partnership with Withybush for CT scanners specifically began in 2022 when a mobile or demountable CT scanner was moved to the hospital to replace an ageing unit.
The mobile CT scanner is part of a series of investments the Welsh government has made to expand access to advanced diagnostics for patients.
In September, the government invested £481,000 to upgrade Withybush General Hospital’s gamma camera system to boost diagnostics.
Gamma cameras are used to detect and diagnose various diseases through gamma rays and advanced imaging technology that provide detailed pictures of organs and tissues.
The upgrade will extend the life of the existing gamma camera and allow for advanced imaging and 3D information.
The enhanced camera will help to ensure that doctors can continue diagnosing a wide range of conditions and plan effective treatments without disruption to diagnostic services.
“We’re working to ensure that hospitals across the country are equipped with modern and state of the art equipment to help medical teams deliver the best possible care,” said Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Jeremy Miles.
In 2021, the Welsh government also invested more than £25m into new imaging equipment to ensure that NHS Wales has access to the latest technology.
The new investment supported CT scanners, gamma cameras, MRI and fluoroscopy x-ray imaging rooms.
Specifically, £4.5m of the investment was for two replacement CT scanners at Withybush Hospital.
The investment for new diagnostic equipment came after many people were unable to attend hospitals for imaging and diagnostic appointments during the pandemic, and the waiting times for such services increased.
“Investing in the diagnostic national capital replacement programme and upgrading the equipment available to our incredible healthcare workforce is key to diagnosing, treating and caring for people as we move forward,” said Welsh Health Minister Eluned Morgan.