Super CT scanner for Rijnstate

It sounds like too good to be true: a CT scanner that uncovers more useful information about the patient, reducing the number of scans needed and exposing the patient to less radiation. According to Willem-Jan Hanegraaf, Construction Program Director at Rijnstate, that's exactly what Philips' new IQon Spectral CT will accomplish. "Spectral CT means a huge step forward for our nuclear medicine and radiology."

Hanegraaf leads the multi-year renovation program that aims to raise the quality of care at Rijnstate to the highest attainable level. "An important part of this is the Nuclear Medicine and Radiology Department on the second floor at Rijnstate Arnhem. Among other things, there are now three CT scans there, including the IQon Spectral CT, a new PET-CT, two new MRIs, a X-ray machine and a gamma camera. All state of the art technology."

Cost savings

Together with the Emergency Department, the OR complex and the delivery rooms, the Radiology Department forms the heart of acute care at Rijnstate Arnhem. The new IQon Spectral CT represents a major step forward in the field of computed tomography, with great benefits for the patient in particular. Hanegraaf: "Philips has designed a unique device that provides an enormous wealth of data with a single, low-dose scan. This means that the radiologist can make a diagnosis with greater certainty and that fewer follow-up examinations are needed. This in turn saves on healthcare costs. The imaging requires less contrast medium, which is especially beneficial for kidney patients."

Integral project

The IQon Spectral CT is one of the many projects that make up the renewal building program and for which fifteen project leaders are active. Bart Kommer, as Construction Project Leader, is responsible for the construction team within the Radiology and Nuclear Medicine program and thus of the IQon scanner: "Every project is integral, in the sense that it includes not only the construction and installations, but also the medical equipment, ICT and facilities side. The incorporation of this scanner is not extra complicated in that respect since the specifications and dimensions are similar to the existing CT scanners. Even the interface is the same so the radiology people were able to work with it smoothly."

Top clinical hospital

Rijnstate is the first non-academic hospital in the Netherlands with an IQon Spectral CT. Hanegraaf: "We are a top clinical hospital and this device fits our profile well. With our investment program, we continuously work on high quality care, fast turnaround times, short waiting times and a clear focus of the locations on their specialties. The cooperation through the Medical Equipment Services Contract that we have had with Philips for several years is part of that. It's a guarantee of that high quality in terms of your medical equipment."