Major investment enhances radiology at Stepping Hill

Diagnostic services at Stepping Hill Hospital are set to improve after major investment in new CT scanners.

Work is to start later this year on an extended building which will house the two new scanners, which use the latest state-of-the-art technology. The newly built area will also provide an enhanced environment for patients.

The first scanner is scheduled to be functioning and in use by Summer 2020, with the second in the Autumn of the same year.

The two new scanners will be in addition to two existing units on the hospital site, with the additional capacity improving waiting times for both inpatients and outpatients waiting for their diagnosis. For patients awaiting results for signs of cancer, the new scanners will allow clinicians to speed up the process of getting the right diagnosis.

CT scanners are used by the hospital’s radiology department to scan for signs of cancer, as well as on other conditions such as blood clots, strokes, tumours, bone fractures and surgical emergencies.

Hugh Mullen, Deputy Chief Executive of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust which runs Stepping Hill Hospital and local community NHS services said:

“We are delighted to be have been able to make this new investment which will double our number of CT scanners and improve experience for our patients. Waiting for a cancer diagnosis in particular is a harrowing experience, so we are particularly pleased that the new scanners will be able to reduce waiting times for this.”

The hospital’s radiography team currently carries out over 50,000 CT scans a year, a number which will greatly rise with the increased capacity scanners. Around £2.6m has been invested in the enhanced building and new scanners. 

The new CT scanners and improved buildings will give Stepping Hill Hospital the additional  capacity it needs as part of the Healthier Together programme to provide enhanced care for patients across Greater Manchester, delivering better patient outcomes and better patient experience.