A second X-ray is in service for patient appointments at South Liverpool Treatment Centre (SLTC) provided by the imaging team at Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (LUHFT). The new X-ray will enable appointments closer to home for residents and reduce waiting times. CHP is the head tenant at the facility and the building is owned by Liverpool and Sefton Health Partnership (SLHP LIFTCo).
South Liverpool Treatment Centre (SLTC) is the largest of LSHP’s LIFT estate in Liverpool. The building opened in April 2011 and houses two GP practices, a walk-in service, a diagnostics suite, community dentistry, physiotherapy and a wide range of outpatient services including audiology and ophthalmology.
For over 10 years, the X-ray department at SLTC has been serviced by only one X-ray room. Historically the department was designed to accommodate two machines, however financial constraints at the time meant only one X-ray could be purchased and the room fitted out. X-ray equipment is an expensive capital investment ranging from £90K upwards to £250K depending on their specifications.
Based on the SLTC site, the imaging team provides plain X-ray and ultrasound services in the south of Liverpool. This allows patients to be seen in a more convenient location, rather than at the main acute hospitals run by Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (LUHFT), reducing travel times and waiting times for patients.
The imaging team supports the Urgent Care Centre team, GP services, the Physiotherapy team, and general outpatient activities.
The imaging team supports the Urgent Care Centre team, GP services, the Physiotherapy team, and general outpatient activities.
After a successful bid to the Cheshire and Merseyside Radiology Imaging Network (CAMRIN) the LUHFT management team were able to provide funds to cover the cost of purchase, installation and re-purposing of the existing, shelved lead-lined room.
There was a multi-team approach to making this project work, the team from Medray (the x-ray machine suppliers) worked extremely closely with all partners involved.
The project was challenging as we needed to bring together many disparate partners and work within very tight schedules, financial constraints, and strict radiation legislation. The team from Community Health Partnerships provided on-site professional project management with support from the Facilities Management (FM) provider Integral, to ensure that all trades came together at the correct times for the complex installation.
Jeanette Leach, North West Regional Director, CHP:
The new X-ray room at South Liverpool Treatment Centre is a significant improvement that will benefit countless patients in the local community. We are proud to have played a role in making this project a reality. CHP healthcare buildings are core facilities that bring essential healthcare services closer to home. By investing in these facilities, we are improving patient access and outcomes.
The project was completed on time and within budget, and it has made an enormous difference in the working practices on the SLTC site. There is an expectation that the number and complexity of the radiographic examinations carried out will increase over the coming months. This is a prime example of completing health care in the right place, at the right time, by the right professionals.
The project has been a good example of multiple partners working together to achieve a well-timed outcome.
