Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust streamlines clinical workflow and bolsters patient care as it installs 40 new mobile imaging systems 

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) has recently installed a series of new C-arms, interventional imaging, mobile X-ray and ultrasound equipment. The upgrades form part of over 350 installations scheduled over a 15-year partnership with Siemens Healthineers. The Value Partnership, that began in March this year, manages the Trust’s vital imaging equipment, ensuring it keeps pace with the technological landscape.

MFT will be one of the first in the UK to receive the innovative Cios Flow C-arm from Siemens Healthineers. In addition to the upgrades in interventional equipment, MFT sees the transformation of general imaging workflows with the implementation of digital radiography systems. The installation of a series of ultrasound systems from Siemens Healthineers includes the ACUSON Sequoia, Redwood and Juniper systems to support the Trust with imaging excellence for early detection, diagnosis and timely treatment.

MFT is one of the largest acute trusts in the UK and is responsible for the care of 2.8 million people in Greater Manchester. With a rapidly growing population and considerable population health challenges, MFT is working towards improving health outcomes and reducing variation in healthcare delivery across Greater Manchester’s diverse population. Just months from the partnership’s commencement, MFT is seeing the first signs of change, with upgrades to radiology equipment transforming workflows and supporting the reduction of patient waiting times.

Designed to optimise workflows and improve efficiency during day-to-day interventions, the Cios Flow from Siemens Healthineers features the CMOS flat detector for high image quality, intelligent algorithms, and SpotAdapt automation for improved imaging parameters. The multidisciplinary system supports the Trust as it looks to broaden its range of services and enhance operations. Sharing a single operating system with recently delivered mobile X-ray and ultrasound systems, the Cios Flow supports flexibility at the Trust, with lightweight mobile imaging systems allowing reallocation of resources and equipment in line with demand.

“The introduction of digital radiography has already started to transform workflows at MFT,” states Michael Henthorn, Principal Radiographer for General Imaging at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust. “During COVID-19 demand for mobile examination increased dramatically. The introduction of the new X-ray systems has brought our equipment up to date, eliminating the need for cassettes and helping to reduce waiting times. We’ve also had great feedback from the surgeons regarding the newly implemented Cios Flow C-arm systems, in terms of image quality and increased functionality. So far, the experience of partnering with Siemens Healthineers has been really positive. The Value Partnership is also providing us with on-site maintenance support, boosting departmental confidence and making everything much smoother.”

“Implementing the Cios Flow systems at MFT, amongst other mobile imaging equipment, so soon after the commencement of the Value Partnership demonstrates how we can deliver innovation at pace,” states Jayant Saha, Head of Advanced Therapies at Siemens Healthineers GB&I. “The Trust is amongst the first to receive the new systems from Siemens Healthineers and it is great to see the surgical team are already realising the potential. For such a large trust, versatility is key and the Cios Flow’s features contribute to intuitive use and easy manoeuvrability, helping to ensure optimum system operation independent of staff expertise.”