Salford Royal responds to rise in obesity with dignified bariatric care

Published: 25-Jun-2014

Hospital installs Artis zee Multi-purpose imaging technology

According to figures published by Public Health England, 64% of people in England are overweight or obese. And, with obesity on the rise, hospitals across the country are adapting to provide equal care for bariatric patients.

Salford Royal NHS Foundation Trust is leading the way in responding to the rise in obesity in the North West region, where prevalence is 66%. The hospital recently installed an Artis zee Multi-purpose (MP) from Siemens Healthcare which is now having a positive impact on bariatric patients who require interventional imaging.

Prior to the system being installed, the hospital would often have to turn down morbidly obese patients, classified as such by a Body Mass Index of 40 or more, who required interventional imaging. This would sometimes mean referring them to alternative medical facilities or private medical centres to be treated. Following the installation of the Artis zee, no patients have been turned away as the increased weight allowance allows patients weighing up to 200kg to be treated at the hospital. This is a greater weight capacity than the majority of comparable systems on the market.

The system comprises a wide tabletop and optional arm holds to assist with the comfort of larger patients. The adjustable table height also makes it easy for patients to mount and dismount the table, easing lifting pressures on staff. The flat emitter technology allows the clinicians to deliver more fluoroscopic power and for longer and provides up to 40% higher tube current, which is especially helpful when treating obese patients to gain greater penetration.

“As the bariatric centre for the North West, Salford Royal ensures obese patients receive equal care,” said Lisa Lyon, lead GI radiographer at Salford Royal.

“The installation of an Artis zee MP from Siemens Healthcare has meant we no longer have to turn away patients for interventional imaging and patients are able to be treated locally and are getting the appropriate treatment for their condition. We have also invested in larger gowns and shorts to ensure patient are treated with dignity.”

John Brady, regional sales manager at Siemens Healthcare, added: “Hospitals that fail to provide sufficient imaging provisions for the growing waistlines of the UK population may find patients are left with a delay in diagnosis. It will also occasionally lead to the use of veterinary or zoological scanners, resulting in a loss of dignity for the patient. Siemens recognises the rise in obesity and aims to do all it can to adapt its imaging systems through innovation to ensure the best treatment is provided to all sizes and shapes of patients.”

You may also like