Picture perfect: patients' health images given digital boost

Over 40 terrabytes of historical data was safely moved on to the new system over six months.  That’s equivalent to 137 hours of all the Harry Potter books stored on MP3 files, 134 times. Or a pile of A4 sheets of paper as high as the Eiffel Tower.

New computers and high resolution monitors have been installed in specialist areas, replacing older units.  The images are clearer and give a clinicians better access for diagnosis.

As well as the Royal Berkshire Hospital, the new technology is being used on other NHS sites that the Trust operates from, including the Berkshire Cancer Centre, Townlands, West Berkshire Hospital and The Prince Charles Eye Unit in Windsor.

The Trust’s PACS system has been provided by a UK company, Insignia Medical Systems, and replaces a ten year old system, which has less functionality.  

Lucy Shorthouse, PACS Manager at the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust commented: “Our radiologists have already observed that they are experiencing increased productivity, which means the new system has faster reporting speeds.  Up to 5,000 patient X-rays can be taken daily and stored securely in electronic patient records”.

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