17 and 21 January 2019
During an inspection looking at part of the service
This service provides diagnostic imaging services using positron emission tomography–computed tomography (PET-CT) to the local community. Alliance Medical Ltd. (AML) provides PET-CT imaging at Maidstone Hospital through a national contract commissioned with NHS England as well as through private referrals.
The service was originally delivered by AML from August 2015 using a mobile unit. The static Maidstone PET-CT Centre opened at the beginning of September 2017 following an AML programme to transfer mobile services to static units throughout the country to improve patient experience and improve integration with local trusts.
The service uses a PET-CT scanner that has advanced software and technology which improves the detection of small lesions leading to improved patient outcomes.
Patients were referred primarily, but not exclusively, from Kent Oncology Centre in collaboration with Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust, East Kent Hospitals University Foundation Trust, Medway NHS Foundation Trust and Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust. Local Governance was monitored through regular meetings with the Administration of Radioactive Substances Advisory Committee (ARSAC) holder (a specialist licensed radiologist) in Maidstone Hospital. A dual policy agreement was in place which ensured that the unit complies with both AML's overarching policies while considering the Trust's local requirements. The service was also supported by the Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS Trust Medical Physics Team who provided a Radiation Protection Advisor, a Medical Physics Expert and Radioactive Waste Advisor.
The Unit Manager was also responsible for another PET-CT Centre and was supported by a Clinical Lead Radiographer/Technologist at the site who supervised the clinical staff. A team of administrators provided booking, administration and reception duties. Patients were only referred by consultants who were specialists in their field, predominantly oncology, together with cardiac patients as required.
The unit was open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 7:30am to 7:30pm and Tuesday and Friday 8am to 6pm. To ensure sufficient capacity was available to enable patients to be scanned within the contracted time frame the unit was supported by a mobile PET-CT scanner up to twice a month when required.