New X-Ray Equipment
NHS Orkney has been given a loan of a cutting-edge piece of radiology equipment. We are now in possession of a portable x-ray machine which is capable of doing almost everything that a full-sized machine can do with no quality compromised. This x-ray machine has been developed by Fujifilm to enable greater freedom in x-ray imaging.
Fujifilm is well known for its expertise in photography but is also an innovative provider of healthcare solutions and has developed many advanced medical imaging and point-of-care technologies. Offering a portfolio of diagnostic equipment alongside artificial intelligence, Fujifilm is working to improve disease detection and speed up diagnosis to support the NHS as it faces some of the greatest challenges of today.
The Radiographers here at NHS Orkney have worked tirelessly to secure this piece of kit and are piloting it in a first of its kind project. We are working in partnership with the wider NHS Scotland North regional team and the North Radiology Alliance to deliver this project.
The portable x-ray machine will be taken to various outer Isles to complete x-rays for Isles patients, reducing the need for patients to travel all the way to Kirkwall for what is usually a 5-minute appointment. We hope, this will reduce the stress and upheaval on patients as well as support our sustainability commitment. Having one radiographer travel to the Isles rather than having lots of individuals travelling in for all their appointments. There will still be some instances when patients require trips to the Balfour, for example, for emergency x-rays.
Nick Crohn, Radiology Services Manager, NHS Orkney shared his excitement: “To be part in a project that is a first of its kind for Scotland is really quite something. Trialling this impressive piece of kit on behalf of Fujifilm and the North Radiology Alliance is a real honour and we’re thankful for the opportunity. We hope that by delivering this project we will be able to improve and enhance our services for the people of Orkney.”
Jim Cannon, Director Regional Planning, North Radiology Alliance said: “This pilot project is a step change towards more patient centred service delivery in Radiology. There are many potential uses for this type of equipment and we will be working together across the North of Scotland to learn from Nick and the team in Orkney, to assess the benefits and work out how it can be used across the North Radiology Alliance area. Nick and his team’s enthusiasm and drive has led to Orkney being the first Health Board in Scotland to use this x-ray machine. I would also like to thank all members of the Project Team, particularly Medical Physics colleagues, for supporting this.”
Colin Brown, Medical Systems at Fujifilm UK, stated: “The current need for patients to travel to the mainland from the outer Isles for an x-ray examination means many appointments are missed and patients cannot receive a diagnosis. The FDR Xair portable x-ray system is easily transported and operated and can take up to 100 high-quality images on a single charge, making it perfect for use in the Orkney Isles to reduce the number of journeys required. A key priority for us at Fujifilm is to support early diagnosis, and we are looking forward to demonstrating the abilities of this ground-breaking technology to move healthcare into the community, enhance patient experience and improve clinical efficiency.”
The x-ray machine has already had it’s first outing to Hoy where it was able to be put to good use and we’re looking forward to visiting other Isles in the very near future!
Pictured are Erin and Tracy of NHS Orkney with the Fujifilm equipment.