PET/CT - making a real impact
Gill Vivian, FRCR FRCP, Consultant in Nuclear Medicine, Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust says:
Why PET/CT?
“Before you have PET/CT, you have no idea of the impact it will make. Only when you try it do you realise how good it is.”
“The addition of this tool is making a big difference. I would say that in gastrointestinal and endocrine imaging, where I specialise, PET/CT is significantly influencing the treatment in at least 25% of cases by helping to target surgical and radiotherapies or changing the staging.”
The InHealth Service
“The PET/CT service delivered by InHealth is generally very good. Their mobile unit has state-of-the-art technology and visits the Radiology Academy at Derriford Hospital for one-and-a-half or two days a week. This means we are currently able to scan around 20-25 patients each week.”
“Previously we had to send Plymouth Peninsula patients to London for PET/CT scans, so it was limited to those who were fit enough to travel such a long distance. Now many more patients have access to the service, and in particular the frail and elderly.”
“The InHealth staff are very friendly and professional, and patients have a good experience of the PET/CT service.”
Referral and Reporting
“The referral process is now going well. InHealth have been very good at negotiating with the Department of Health to develop a more appropriate referral form. The new referral form is much better, and now contains more relevant clinical information.”
“In my experience, the staff at the InHealth call centre are very good at offering a personal service to patients.”
“Previously, reporting was done by clinicians elsewhere and there was no local involvement. Our clinicians appreciate the fact that with the InHealth PET/CT service, the reporting is now undertaken at source and integrated with local multi-disciplinary teams. Radiotherapists can also use the data for planning.”
“Myself and a colleague undertake all the reporting for the Peninsula on a 52-week basis, and reports are usually available within 24 hours of the scan being undertaken.”
“The previous system was pretty good, with the data coming back on CD. The trouble was, the reporter didn’t have access to other clinical information. The local InHealth PET/CT service enables a much better quality of discussions between clinicians about the patient’s condition.”
Consultant Benefits
“It gives me great personal satisfaction To see the InHealth service operating so effectively. For the last seven years I’ve been helping to develop a PET/CT scanning service for the Peninsula, and my only involvement was in commissioning the service. Now I’m Involved in the whole treatment pathway.”
“Greater local involvement in the delivery of the service leads to better clinical involvement – and potentially better clinical outcomes for patients.”
Patient benefits
“InHealth offers a fast and efficient referral and booking service, which makes life easier for patients. There is far less travelling involved for patients, which has improved access for all.”
“Every patient in the Peninsula who according to NICE Guidance should be having PET/CT is now having the right scans.”