£178,000 upgrade for CT scanner

A £178,000 upgrade of the CT scanner at Gilbert Bain Hospital has been completed meaning it can be kept in service for seven more years.

The scanner was commissioned six years ago following overwhelming fund-raising efforts across Shetland. But without action it would have needed replacing within the next two years as key components needed to be replaced with new technology.

Rather than waiting for full replacement, which would have cost £1.1m, the manufacturer was approached and it became clear it could be upgraded at a fraction of the cost. The work completed means it should be able to be in operation beyond 2020.

The upgrading of the scanner, from 40 to 64-slice, has reduced scan times and increased image quality. This will allow the scanning service to adhere to clinical best practice protocols and to keep up with developments in CT.

The project was on budget, on time and was a great improvement, said a spokesman.