The Caretaker Chief Minister Fabian Picardo, and the Caretaker Minister for Health, Dr John Cortes, opened the Gibraltar Health Authority’s new CT Scanner Suite today.

The new 128 Slice Computed Tomography Scanner was made and installed by Philips Medical Systems (UK) and is the most advanced model in Europe. It has replaced the 10 year old 16 Slice Scanner and its significantly higher specifications enable greater flexibility on the range of examinations that St Bernard’s Hospital can offer.

The wider clinical applications of the scanner include the provision of a better and safer quality service, particularly regarding dose saving software, reliability and image quality. The new CT Scanner has the capability to conduct Brain Perfusion, Cardiac, Virtual Colonography and Dental Scans, which means that St Bernard’s Hospital will be able to offer these services in the future.

The training of local staff has been central to this project, which forms part of the Government’s wider policy to provide the best possible standard of patient care.

Dr Cortes said: "Investing in this new, high-specification CT Scanner was absolutely essential to ensuring quality of healthcare in Gibraltar now and in the future. Staff will be properly equipped and trained to offer these services and we now have the potential to offer new and better services in Gibraltar in the future, reducing the stress and discomfort involved in having to travel to receive treatment."

Mr Picardo said: "This Government has made healthcare our single biggest priority in terms of spending, and we have made a significant investment in St Bernard’s Hospital to ensure that staff are able to offer patients the best standard of care. This new CT scanner equips the Radiology Department with the best available technology in Europe. It means that patients can be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible. We have also invested in staff training and we are proud of all those who have recently graduated from their Degrees in Nursing and Degrees in Health Care Practice. The facilities on offer in this regard have been greatly improved by the establishment of the Faculty of Health Studies and Sport Science at the University of Gibraltar. Patients recovering at St Bernard’s Hospital will now receive good quality, nutritious meals as a result of the transformation of the Hospital’s Catering Facility from a run-down kitchen to one that is totally fit-for-purpose. Gibraltar deserves the best possible quality of healthcare, and this Government is committed to providing it."

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