New scanner at QVH is life-changing for patients

A state-of-the-art bone density scanner which could help prevent life-changing fractures in patients is now in use at Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (QVH).

The dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanner, which cost £90,660, recently arrived at our trust and is a quick and painless way to check bone health, measuring the strength and condition of someone’s bones and screening patients for osteoporosis and other bone-weakening conditions.

Early diagnosis of osteoporosis can prevent life-changing fractures, which will otherwise follow everyday occurrences like a cough or a fall from standing height.

Half of women over 50 will suffer fractures due to osteoporosis, and a fifth of men, and fractures are the fourth greatest cause of disability in the UK, as well as the second greatest filler of hospital beds.

The arrival of the scanner means that many of our patients can receive their bone density assessment closer to home rather than need to go to elsewhere in Sussex, like Eastbourne or Lewes for example, which they have had to do previously, and for other patients it means they can have their treatment at the hospital of their choice.

Patient Jane Stewart-Parry fits that bill and she cut the ribbon on the scanner when it arrived at QVH, just moments before she became the first person to use it.

Jane, 64, who is from Battle in East Sussex, said:

“Once I knew that the scanner was coming here and that I could be referred here, I wanted to come.

It is amazing, and I am so proud that I am the first patient to be scanned. My family are really excited too. My mother died from an undiagnosed osteoporosis condition so it is great that I can come here, to the hospital of my choice, and see where I am at.

I want to make sure I get the right treatment, to make sure I can be monitored as we go along. It brings peace of mind and awareness too, for my two children, especially my daughter, who is 29.

Cutting the ribbon was fantastic – I shall dine out on that for a while, don’t you worry.”

Sarah Solanki, Clinical Director Core, Clinical and Community Services, said:

“It is a great addition for us and our patients. The machine can examine the bone density of people with suspected, or at risk of having, osteoporosis and in addition how we can monitor patients at risk. Monitoring at risk patients assists with the ability to reduce their risk of fractures in the future by lifestyle changes and clinical support from specialists.

It is fantastic to be able to support patients like Jane who have come quite a way and for patients closer to home: to have their treatment where they want with first class state-of-the-art equipment that can monitor the health of their bones now and as they get older.”

Edmund Tabay, Chief Nursing Officer, added:

“The introduction of this scanner is part of our overall Community Diagnostic Programme, and will help patients in our local area and across Sussex, have this treatment. There is a national shortage of DXA scanners, so we are delighted to include one in our quality offer to patients.”