“Cutting-edge” bone scanners | News and events

Two new “cutting-edge” bone scanners to benefit patients in East of England 

Thousands of patients across the East of England will benefit from faster access to vital bone scans as the government confirms funding for two new DEXA scanners in the region.   

DEXA scanners play a crucial role in the diagnosis of osteoporosis and other bone conditions, which affect thousands of patients across the east, often leading to life-changing fractures if left undetected.

In our region, scanners will go to North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust’s Hinchingbrooke Hospital, who are receiving a new replacement scanner, (last year they carried out 6,304 DEXA scans and the new scanner will enable shorter scan times and more appointments) and West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals’ St Albans City Hospital who are receiving a new, additional scanner to increase scanning capacity at the site.   

 

Tom Lidgett, Operational Lead Radiographer at North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust, commented: “ We’re delighted to have been awarded funding for a new, state-of-the-art DEXA scanner at Hinchingbrooke Hospital. Replacing a 15-year-old model, this investment represents a significant step forward for our local services, as we look towards prevention with shorter scan times enabling faster diagnosis for patients with osteoporosis and earlier access to treatments to help reduce the risk of fractures.”

Dr Niall Keenan, Divisional Director for Medicine at West Hertfordshire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust said:  "We are delighted to receive this funding. This is a vital service for patients. Osteoporosis is an extremely common condition and results in low trauma fractures that often have devastating consequences for independent living for many older people. Treatment is dependent on DEXA scanning to help assess fracture risk.

“There has been a rapidly increasing demand and the funding of an extra scanner will help to change the lives of many people in Hertfordshire and wider region for years to come.”    

The government’s £2.6 million investment delivers a major boost to early diagnosis and fracture prevention and includes six new additional scanners and 14 new replacement models. It is the latest step in the government’s mission to modernise diagnostics and cut waiting times, as part of the 10 Year Health Plan.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “Too many women are suffering painful, preventable fractures because osteoporosis is diagnosed too late. That has to change.

“These new scanners will help thousands of patients get tested sooner, start treatment earlier and avoid the trauma of life-changing breaks.

“We are cutting waiting times and modernising the NHS so it works for patients – preventing illness where we can, and delivering care faster for those that need it most.” 

  The government will continue to work closely with the NHS and stakeholders to improve bone health services, from diagnosis to fracture prevention and follow-up care, to ensure patients get the right care, at the right time, wherever they live.