Gamma Camera work to start at Manor

The camera, which is used to detect cancerous tumours and a host of other medical problems, is costing in excess of £650,000 and staff are being trained to use it.

The camera arrived from Germany last Friday and the project to install it and train all staff is due to be completed this summer.

Contractors had to dig out the old floor in the room that will house the new Gamma Camera and lined it with lead to protect staff and patients from the effects of radiation.

The floor has also had to be reinforced to support the new camera which is above the Clinical Measurement Unit at the hospital.

The existing camera was installed a decade ago and is outdated, with the new one part-funded thanks to Walsall League of Friends which donated £100,000 towards the cost.

The new camera has a SPECT/CT attachment, which will improve image quality and diagnosis and offer an improved service to patients.

It will now be possible to perform modern examinations, and patients who currently have to travel to other hospitals for their examination will now be able to receive this in Walsall.

Jo Lydon, Divisional Director of Clinical Support Services for Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, said: “A lot of preparatory work has been going on since April but we’re now in a position to install and commission the new Gamma Camera.

“Throughout the work we have tried to ensure patients have been disrupted as little as possible and we have been using the existing Gamma Camera while this project is completed.

"Our clinicians have praised the contractors and our Estates and Facilities team for how smoothly the scheme has gone and I’d like to add my thanks to this.

“I know that staff are eager to receive their training as we work together to achieve our vision of becoming your partners for first class integrated care and we’re all looking forward to the summer completion so we can continue to make a real difference to the safe, high quality care that our patients deserve.”