Dr SIMON MELLOR, medical director, Alliance Medical, says that the independent sector has a key role in improving access to the latest technological advances in radiology which are helping to improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.
What are the advantages of using outsourced imaging services, for Trusts?
One of the main advantages of outsourcing to the independent sector is flexibility. It can be argued that every acute Trust needs an MRI scanner, but they may need “one and a half”, for example. We can provide this extra “half”, or whatever extra capacity is required. This can make a huge difference to waiting lists while keeping capital investment to a minimum. It also means that Trusts can keep pace with the latest imaging advances without having to re-invest in very expensive technology upgrades. There are various options for radiology departments needing to expand capacity. There is often very little capital available, so leasing is one option but it can be quite expensive. We provide a managed service that costs significantly less, which is provided either through static or mobile facilities. The healthcare provider can choose to perform the function of reporting themselves or may use Alliance Medical’s reporting expertise. Mobile facilities also offer increased flexibility and enable Trusts to deliver services locally, which is very popular with patients. Trusts may decide to use them during upgrades to hospital facilities, to meet peaks in demand or to reduce diagnostic waiting times. By targeting patients that can be dealt with easily in the community, outsourced services can also relieve some of the pressure on hospital radiology departments and allow them to dedicate more time on complex cases. Working with PCTs, Alliance Medical is helping to develop more modern and innovative pathways to provide services for patients who may not need to see a consultant, but need a diagnosis for standard orthopaedic problems relating to backs and knees, for example. These cases account for a large proportion of patients passing through the system, but many simply require reassurance that some rest and a bit of physiotherapy will prove effective.
What are the main drivers for outsourcing imaging services and how are your services making a difference to patients?
Log in or register FREE to read the rest
This story is Premium Content and is only available to registered users. Please log in at the top of the page to view the full text.
If you don't already have an account, please register with us completely free of charge.
