Helping Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital to Reduce Patient ‘Scanxiety’
Specialist fluoroscopy suite, incorporating new state-of-the-art Ultimax-i X-ray machine, reimagined to put paediatric patients at ease while delivering optimum diagnostic versatility and image quality at lower radiation dose.
X-rays can be a daunting experience for patients, especially children. To help reduce ‘scanxiety’ – the increased level of anxiety patients may feel before, during, and after a scan – Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital, Brighton, partnered with Canon Medical Systems UK to reimagine the whole X-ray experience. This included transforming the hospital’s fluoroscopy suite, via an extensive makeover, into a welcoming, comfortable, and even fun place for children while delivering the most advanced diagnostic imaging service via the new Ultimax-i X-ray system.
Offering diagnostic versatility, the Ultimax-i enables Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital to meet growing demand by enabling clinicians to see a broader age range of patients with a variety of conditions.
Under the sea theme
Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital selected Canon Medical to create a visually alluring scanning environment to house the new Ultimax-i X-ray system. To appeal to children – many of whom have additional needs – the renovation included a floor-to-ceiling under-the sea theme featuring sea creatures and a submarine, LED mood lighting to create a calming atmosphere, and a ceiling-mounted interactive projector featuring 50 different games and challenges for children to enjoy pre- and post-scan.Offering diagnostic versatility, the Ultimax-i enables Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital to meet growing demand by enabling clinicians to see a broader age range of patients with a variety of conditions.
Royal Alexandra Hospital, Brighton, partnered with Canon Medical Systems UK to reimagine the whole X-ray experience
Optimising workflow
Firstly, by optimising workflow space, it allows for more complex scans and procedures to take place without additional reconfiguration of floor space. Secondly, an innovative multidirectional C-arm and an adjustable tilting table allow clinicians at the hospital superior ergonomic access to the patient’s anatomy. Meanwhile, light-beam diaphragm functionality ensures greater precision for centring and collimation.By offering clinicians a more complete and accurate patient view, the Ultimax-i reduces the need for patient movement and multiple images to be taken during scans, improving overall operator workflow and efficiency and, most importantly, ensuring patient comfort and safety. The smoother the scanning process, the better the child’s experience, helping to reduce fear and anxiety during the scan.
The hospital’s fluoroscopy suite has been transformed into a welcoming, comfortable and fun place for children.
The smoother the scanning process, the better the child's experience, helping to reduce fear and anxiety
Reduced dose exposure
In addition to unsurpassed image quality, the Ultimax-i includes DoseRite, a comprehensive dose management suite of technology to minimise patient X-ray exposure. Clinicians are empowered with three variable dose modes to choose from, ensuring precise control over radiation exposure. Patients experience a notable reduction in dose exposure, thanks to fewer repeat views required, enhancing safety and comfort throughout the imaging process. This is particularly important when scanning children, many of whom are regular visitors requiring multiple scans.The Fluoroscopy Suite refurbishment was made possible by funding from My University Hospitals Sussex, the dedicated charity for NHS hospitals in Sussex. They raise funds for treatment, care and research which go over and above core NHS funding, making a positive difference to patients and staff.
“We're incredibly proud to have funded this outstanding refurbishment at the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital."
Steve Crump OBE, Director of Charities & Voluntary Services at My University Hospitals Sussex.
“The combination of the new X-ray system in its under-the-sea setting provides the very best experience we could hope for."
Kyriakos Iliadis, Lead Consultant Paediatric Radiologist MD MSc at University Hospitals Sussex Foundation Trust.
Steve Crump OBE, Director of Charities & Voluntary Services at My University Hospitals Sussex said: "We're incredibly proud to have funded this outstanding refurbishment at the Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital. The state-of-the-art equipment, along with the vibrant ocean-themed design, will ensure children requiring fluoroscopy procedures receive the best service possible, as well as have a positive hospital experience. The charity is delighted to have enabled this improved pathway and quality of care for paediatric patients across the region."
The new Ultimax-i system offers simplicity and, due to its versatility and superior image quality, enables the hospital to provide a wider range of services and keep up with the growing demand for diagnostics. Ongoing support from Canon Medical’s Application Specialists also means that the hospital can adapt the functionality of the equipment in the future to enhance useability and unlock further capability as required.
Kyriakos Iliadis, Lead Consultant Paediatric Radiologist MD MSc at University Hospitals Sussex Foundation Trust, concluded, “The feedback has been immensely positive from everyone who has encountered the new system and the new fluoroscopy suite – from radiographers to consultants but, most importantly, patients. The combination of the new X-ray system in its under-the-sea setting provides the very best experience we could hope for. Often, the children are having so much fun, they do not want to leave!”
The new Ultimax-i system offers simplicity and, due to its versatility and superior image quality, enables the hospital to provide a wider range of services and keep up with the growing demand for diagnostics. Ongoing support from Canon Medical’s Application Specialists also means that the hospital can adapt the functionality of the equipment in the future to enhance useability and unlock further capability as required.
Kyriakos Iliadis, Lead Consultant Paediatric Radiologist MD MSc at University Hospitals Sussex Foundation Trust, concluded, “The feedback has been immensely positive from everyone who has encountered the new system and the new fluoroscopy suite – from radiographers to consultants but, most importantly, patients. The combination of the new X-ray system in its under-the-sea setting provides the very best experience we could hope for. Often, the children are having so much fun, they do not want to leave!”
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