Apr 24 - New CT Scanner For St. Bernard’s
The Gibraltar Health Authority has announced the exchange of contracts between Philips Medical Systems (UK) and the GHA following an EU Tender process for the acquisition, installation and commissioning of a New 128 Slice Computed Tomography Scanner.
The new system will replace the existing 16 Slice Scanner which is now 10 years old having been installed as part of the original Hospital Fit-Out. The costs of the project are estimated at close to £500,000 for the equipment with a further £100,000 assigned for specialist infrastructure works. Training for local staff is included in this turnkey project. This represents a significant investment on behalf of the Government ensuring the Hospital is equipped with the latest technology to support enhanced patient care.
The New System is an advanced Philips Ingenuity Core 128 MDSCT, boasting a much higher specification than the existing 16 Slice Scanner allowing for greater flexibility on the range of examinations offered as well as offering wider clinical applications, a better and safer quality service, particularly with regards to dose saving software, reliability and image quality.
Amongst other standard clinical applications, the new CT Scanner will have the additional capability for the carrying out of Brain Perfusion, Cardiac, Virtual Colonography and Dental Scans, these clinical applications will allow for the future repatriation of the corresponding services.
The New Scanner will be expected to be ready for service at the end of July and enabling works will be commenced shortly in order to minimise service disruption during this complex installation.
The Minister for Health Dr John Cortes added "Government is committed to enhancing the standard of medicine available in Gibraltar, and to ensuring that there is proper upkeep and updating of equipment. This new scanner will increase our diagnostic capability tremendously. We have gone through a stringent procurement process, always in close consultation with the professionals, to ensure that the best available technology is used, which is what our community deserves."
Pic: Minister Cortes with Radiology Staff looking through the current CT Scanner which will soon be replaced.
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