Patients at North Cambridgeshire Hospital (NCH) are set to benefit from a £65,000 retinal scanner, installed by The Queen Elizabeth Hospital King’s Lynn NHS FT(QEH). The QEH already delivers the Ophthalmology Service at NCH.
The new scanner will make it easier to detect earlier signs in conditions such as age-related wet macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy - known to cause blindness. It will improve how the progression of conditions are monitored, such as how patients are responding to eye treatments.
This will encourage staff to work collaboratively between QEH and NCH sites, to quickly see where referrals are needed, ensuring patients receive the best possible care. It forms part of the trust’s strategic objective aimed at modernising their infrastructure and medical equipment, to support the delivery of optimal care.
Dr Michael Kouroupis, Consultant Ophthalmic Surgeon, and Medical Retina Lead at QEH, said: “The arrival of the scanner is fantastic news for our patients receiving eye care at NCH, and for our dedicated team delivering the retinal service.
“We’re passionate about promoting eye health in our local community and this new state-of-the-art equipment will further strengthen our delivery of the highest standard of care. I particularly want to thank our Digital team for their efforts to ensure the infrastructure is safe and secure, and to staff across Team QEH for making it possible.”
Dr Frankie Swords, Medical Director at QEH, said: “I am thrilled that our bid for the scanner was successful and that our patients will benefit from this state-of-the-art equipment. It is a fantastic achievement for our eye care services.
“The installation has been a Team QEH effort, bringing together colleagues from our Digital and Medical teams, and I want to thank everybody involved for their hard work to make it happen.”
