Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust | ImageFlow Fluoroscopy Stretcher
Background
The Cardiology Services team at Russells Hall Hospital, run by Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, were facing several issues with their existing imaging table. By implementing the ImageFlow Fluoroscopy Stretcher, they have increased efficiency, staff safety, and patient comfort.
Challenge
Before implementing the ImageFlow Stretcher, the department faced several challenges:
- Frequent repositioning: If a patient was positioned too high or too low on the mattress platform, the manual repositioning of patients and heavy C-arm equipment was labour-intensive and time-consuming.
- No accommodation for TZ Comfort Halo frame: The previous table was not compatible with their TZ Comfort Halo frame, which keeps the drapes off the patient’s face, making a huge difference for claustrophobic (and sometimes sedated) patients.
- Fixed lead skirts: The previous table had fixed, one-piece lead skirts, which meant the Clinical Engineering team had to remove the end caps from the DIN Rail so that they could be slid out, which was time-consuming.
- Limited access and mobility: The department struggled with the previous table due to it not going low enough and not being wide enough, which led to challenges when working with large patients.
- Patient safety and comfort: Ensuring patient safety and comfort during procedures was challenging with the existing equipment.
These challenges resulted in inefficiencies affecting the staff’s workload and the patients’ comfort and safety.
Solution
The team at Russells Hall hospital addressed these challenges by implementing the Felgains ImageFlow Imaging & Fluoroscopy Trolley, a hospital imaging stretcher designed for endoscopy, fluoroscopy, and procedures requiring a C-arm.
The team at Russells Hall hospital mainly use the ImageFlow for procedures involving Device Implants, such as single & dual pacemakers, IR implants, temporary pacing wires, and S-ICD systems (Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators).
Key features of the ImageFlow:
- Sliding patient platform: Allows 490mm of horizontal movement, minimizing the need to move patients or the C-arm.
- U-shaped base: Provides 1480mm of lateral C-arm access with no vertical clearance limit, facilitating unrestricted camera movement.
- Hydraulic & electronic adjustments: Easily adjustable hydraulic backrest and leg rest combined with electronic height adjustment and Trendelenburg functions.
- Very mobile: The ImageFlow doubles as a patient transport stretcher, which reduces the need for additional patient transfers.
- High safe working load: The high 320kg SWL is suitable for a broader range of patients, including heavier individuals.
- Stainless steel frame: Ensures durability and reliability in demanding hospital settings.
Impact and Results
Enhanced efficiency and patient flow
The ImageFlow has significantly streamlined the department’s workflow. The sliding patient platform and U-shaped base reduced the time and effort required for repositioning, increasing the department’s efficiency and patient flow.
Reduced manual handling risk for staff
The ImageFlow’s sliding mattress platform reduces the need for the staff to manually reposition the patient or C-arm camera, reducing the risk of muscular strain and injury.
Improved access and patient safety
The trolley’s low height, combined with the width of the mattress platform, makes the patients feel safe and comfortable. The longitudinal slide and excellent C-arm access mean the trolley is easy to use during procedures.
The ImageFlow is very good for large patients; it goes very low, and the width makes the patient feel safe. The ability to move the IV into various places at both ends is very helpful, and the longitudinal slide is appreciated, particularly when the patient has been positioned too high or too low on the mattress platform. The C-Arm Access is brilliant, and the mattress is comfortable.
Feedback from the team at Russells Hall Hospital
Improved lead skirts
Compared to the previous table with fixed lead skirts, the ImageFlow is fitted with individually removable, lightweight lead skirts that simply hook onto a rail. This is proving to be a game changer for the team at Russells Hall hospital.
The Lead Skirts are brilliant – they’re lightweight and can easily be picked up individually and placed on either side as needed. Clinicians can get very close to the mattress platform without leaning over in heavy lead aprons, which is better ergonomically. In turn, this means that the Fluoroscopy X-Ray foot control doesn’t tend to get pushed under the table, and as the lead skirts are mounted slightly inboard, there is less exposure for the doctor’s toes to scatter radiation.
Feedback from the team at Russells Hall Hospital
The ImageFlow in situ at Russells Hall Hospital, complete with optional protective lead skirts:
Learning and Conclusions
By implementing the ImageFlow Stretcher, Russels Hall Hospital has:
- Empowered staff with more efficient and user-friendly equipment.
- Improved patient outcomes by enhancing comfort and safety during procedures.
- Streamlined their operational workflow, leading to increased overall efficiency in the department.
How to implement this in your hospital
Seeing the positive impact of this project at Russells Hall Hospital, how could your hospital benefit from similar improvements?
We can collaborate with you to develop a tailored solution that addresses your specific needs, significantly enhancing efficiency and patient care in your imaging department. From initial project scoping to implementation and monitoring, we are here to support you every step of the way.
To start the conversation, please call us at 01473 741144, email us at customerservices@felgains.com, or contact us using the form below.
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