HEMEL HEMPSTEAD--The installation of computed radiography systems into central London's largest private healthcare provider is continuing with the latest HCA site at Golders Green, North London. Following in the footsteps of ten other locations in the group, the new, shortly to become operational state-of-the-art Wellington Diagnostics and Outpatient Centre will benefit from KODAK DIRECTVIEW CR Systems for digital capture and integration with PACS.

HCA International currently manages six world-class acute hospital sites in central London - Princess Grace, Portland Hospital for Women and Children, Harley Street Clinic, Wellington Hospital, Lister Hospital and London Bridge Hospital, and four Outpatient Diagnostic Centres. Over 180,000 annual exams are performed across all sites.

CR Installed As Pre-Cursor To PACS
Sequential installation of the CR systems across the group began in 2004 as the first phase of a staged PACS implementation. "We took the approach that CR would be the pre-cursor to PACS," said Kaye Bonython, HCA Programme Manager, Imaging Informatics. "Staff readily adapted to the use of CR and it proved to be an excellent introduction to entering the realms of PACS a few months later as staff were already comfortable in the digital environment and managing digitally acquired images.

"We approached our CR and PACS as a linked programme and it was important to prepare the sites to accommodate both right from the start. The assistance in compilation of network redesign and implementation from Carestream Health added to the value provided."

Following the KODAK DIRECTIVEW CR System installations at each site, each department reported a significant improvement in productivity, as downtime became minimal. HCA has an international reputation and consistency and high quality imaging is key to operations within HCA imaging departments. Introduction of the new CR systems has fulfilled this criterion in every respect.

"In the first instance CR improved workflow by providing faster access to images for radiographers and solved al the problems associated with running traditional darkrooms," added Kaye Bonython. "The concept of image manipulation techniques did take time for staff to appreciate, but the advantages rapidly became evident as the need for re-takes reduced and time spent providing additional information verbally to radiologists was cut with the clever use of annotation.

London Bridge Hospital, which included Canary Wharf and Old Broad Street satellite sites, proved the most challenging installation as both CR and PACS were installed virtually simultaneously. Here a major rebuild of the Imaging Department was undertaken due to a required reconfiguration of reporting areas and the installation was managed alongside day-to-day departmental operations.

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