£500,000 has been invested in scanning and imaging technology as well as expanded premises for the echocardiography department (cardiac ultrasound) at Stoke Mandeville Hospital.
The investment includes two state-of-the-art cardiovascular imaging systems capable of 4D imaging, allowing cardiologists to ‘see’ the heart in real-time, which allows them to make an immediate and accurate diagnosis.
The new equipment has enabled Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust to increase the number of patients receiving heart scans by 42% in the last three months, significantly reducing waiting times and providing fast diagnosis for people in the region.
The added capacity and equipment – the team has expanded by three and now has double the number of machines – means that patients have greater access to a safe, low risk technique that can also provide immediate answers (unlike MRI or CT procedures) saving time and potentially lives.