A PET-CT scanner, one of only two in the country, is now available for Royal Brompton and Harefield patients. The new scanner uses rubidium cardiac imaging to provide faster and more detailed imaging than existing scanners, and exposes patients to less radiation. It is now operational at the Trust’s new outpatient and diagnostic centre in Wimpole Street, London, and will be available to both NHS and private patients.
Dr Alex Lyon, senior lecturer and honorary consultant cardiologist, says:
My work allows me to help those with heart failure – improving their quality and length of life. Improved detection and early treatment make a significant difference in this condition and having access to PET scanning will support rapid diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plans. This is the gold standard for cardiac imaging.
Patients will also be referred to Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals Specialist Care Outpatients and Diagnostics Centre for other types of scans and diagnostic tests, including CT, MRI, echocardiography, lung function and X-ray.
The Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospital Specialist Care Outpatients and Diagnostics Centre has opened in the Harley Street medical area of London. The new centre will generate valuable income that will be reinvested back into the Trust, helping to improve both NHS and private patient services.
David Shrimpton, managing director of Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospitals Specialist Care, commented: “This is an exciting step for the Trust and I am delighted that we can now offer PET-CT scanning alongside other state-of-the-art diagnostic services.”