UHNM’s Cardiology and Radiology Team has been shortlisted for healthcare innovation award
UHNM’s Cardiology and Radiology Team has been shortlisted for healthcare innovation award
University Hospitals of North Midlands (UHNM) has been shortlisted for a prestigious award celebrating the individuals and organisations revolutionising healthcare in the West Midlands.
UHNM’s cardiology and radiology team has been recognised in the Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Management Innovation category of West Midlands Academic Health Science Network (WMAHSN)‘s fifth annual Meridian Celebration of Innovation Awards.
This year’s virtual ceremony will shine a particular light on those that have encouraged positive change to patient care and the region’s health economy in spite of the challenges brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The team has been nominated for their use of state-of-the-art technology which can investigate chest pain by creating a 3D model of the patient’s arteries, taking away the need for an invasive angiogram.
The HeartFlow FFRct Analysis works by utilising cardiac CT scans to create a model of the coronary arteries and assesses the impact of narrowings that may reduce blood flow to a patient’s heart muscle.
By having non-invasive testing as part of the first investigation step, any risk to patients is limited, while making the work of the hospital’s catheterisation labs more efficient as the patients who do require further tests are also more likely to require further procedures.
Dr Simon Duckett, UHNM Consultant Cardiologist, said: “One of the main benefits of using HeartFlow, is that we can understand our patients’ conditions in one scan. It helps us establish more quickly the level of narrowing in an artery and whether it is causing a problem with the blood supply and decide on next steps in terms of treatment. I think if there’s an opportunity to reduce the risk to patients then it’s very important we make the most of that opportunity.”
Tammy Holmes, Head of Innovation Exchange at WMAHSN said: “We are delighted that UHNM has been shortlisted for the Cardiovascular Disease Prevention and Management Innovation Award. UHNM’s entry showed an approach that is truly innovative, transforming patient care, providing solutions to significant challenges.”
More than 40 entries were submitted across the 10 categories which will be assessed by a panel of experts to select the winners. The virtual ceremony will be held on Tuesday 30 of March.