A brand-new CT scanning suite has opened at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, costing £2.5 million.

The purpose-built suite is located in the hospital’s Centre Block in the Radiology Department. It has a waiting room, two changing rooms, two areas for radiographers and two scanning rooms.

CT Lead Radiographer, Sarah Guzvica, said: “We know that for people coming in to see us to have a scan, whether planned or unplanned, it can be an unsettling and concerning time. We hope that the new suite, and the little additions we’ve made, for example real time CCTV in the scanner as well as the two-way microphones so we can keep in touch, help to make the experience of coming to see us as smooth as possible.

“For the team, it’s the thought that’s gone into the build that’s really going to help. For example, the scanning rooms are bigger so there’s more room for us to move around and help patients that might have additional mobility needs.”

As well as two brand new scanners, the suite includes a range of features to make the patients’ experience as comfortable as possible. From coming in through a separate entrance away from the rest of the hospital, to the ‘smart glass’ technology between the scanning room and the Radiographers’ control room for patient privacy.

There is also ambient lighting, with back-lit cherry blossom ceiling panels in the scanning rooms, and two-way microphones so that patients can talk directly to staff during their scan.

Associate Director in Radiology, Julie Cameron, comments on the suite completion: “I’m delighted that the new suite is now open to patients. We are proud to be able to offer a wider range of procedure and treatments at the Royal Berkshire Hospital in a purpose-built environment.

“I hope the investment shows just how committed we are to making the latest equipment and techniques accessible to our local community.”

A team of Radiographers, Radiologists, Administrative and Support Workers at the Royal Berkshire Hospital will see, on average, 100 patients a day for CT scans.

In a year they care for more than 40,000 people for various reasons including cancer diagnosis, diagnosing strokes, or assessing the damage caused from incidents like road traffic accidents.