A brand new, state-of-the-art bone density scanner has been unveiled at The Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital following an investment of almost £110,000.
Bone density scans use x-rays to diagnose or assess the risk of metabolic bone diseases in patients including osteoporosis, a health condition that weakens bones and makes them more likely to break.
The Bone Densitometry team (DXA) form part the Metabolic and Rheumatology department who offer a wide range of service to adults in order to diagnose and treat bone, joint and connective tissue diseases.
Jill Roberts, Reporting Radiographer for the DXA Service, said: “I know I speak for the whole department when I say we’re delighted to have our new DXA scanner installed and up-and-running.
“We’re extremely grateful for the investment – it’s making a real difference to our patients and will continue to do so.”
The new machine cost approximately £96,000 for the Oswestry-based hospital and has replaced an old scanner which has come to the end of its useful life.
The RJAH Charity also funded a number of optional extras for the scanner, which came to a total of almost £12,000.
Soma Moulik, Divisional Performance Manager for Medicine, Rehabilitation and Diagnostics, said: “The old scanner was in the department since 2009, and over that 10 year period, more than 80,000 scans were carried out on patients.
“I’d like to say thank you to both of the DXA team and the metabolic booking team for their continued hard work, dedication and the incredible work they carry out on a daily basis. Nothing would have been possible without their commitment.
“The RJAH Charity also deserves a huge thank you for the support with funding extras for the machine.“These add-ons have allowed us to provide higher quality reports for patients and also support further research in relation to metabolic bone diseases.”
Helen Knight, Fundraising Manager, said: “We’re delighted to support the DXA team with these optional extras for their scanner.
“The work they carry out is extremely important and I’m thrilled that the purchase from the Charity is making a difference to the outcomes of our patients – it’s extremely important that we’re able to fund these things that enhance patient care.”
Photo caption (left – right): Radiology Department Assistant Angela Sankey, Metabolic Technician Diane Powell, Senior Radiographer Kate Herbert, DXA Technologist Dawn Pugh, Healthcare Assistant Sandy Glen, Assistant DXA Technologist Caron Luxton, Assistant Head of Financial Accounting Nicky McClelland, Charitable Funds Assistant Emma Harding, Reporting Radiographer for DXA Jill Roberts, Matron Mandy Bride and Divisional Performance Manager Soma Moulik with the new bone density scanner.
