A Bioptics for Plymouth
The Primrose Breast Care Centre at Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, has installed a Bioptics digital specimen radiography system. It's versatility enables it to be used for theatre as well as clinical procedures in the diagnostic section of the centre.
Consultant radiologist Dr Jim Steel explained: "We were impressed with the Bioptics during the trial period. The speed and quality of image aquisition reduces the time that a patient spends undergoing the procedure at the unit while, at the same time, providing more accurate information for our team."
The Bioptics can be moved easily and safely between the Primrose Breast Care Centre and theatres where consultant breast surgeon Mr Roger Watkins confirmed: "I have been very pleased with the Bioptics. It very quickly and accurately produces imaged information for me during operative procedures and is very easy to use.
"This is extremely helpful as it reduces the time spent under anaesthetic and means a patient can return to the ward sooner.
"It reduces the necessity for re-excision, making our Primrose Care Centre more efficient, reducing trauma for patients involved and the cost to the trust."
The bioptics digital specimen system may in the future be linked to the hopsital's PACS system to provide wider use of its aquired information. The AEC (automatic exposure control) function means that all staff can aquire images after minimal familiarisation training.
Mr Watkins added: "The hospital's League of Friends, the Primrose Ward Fund and the Primrose Foundation all donated money towards this purchase. We are deeply indebted to them all for their generosity."
Rad Mag, April 2008.
