Tale of two CTs as cancer centre gets a second scanner with added ambience

It has become a tale of two CTs for Swansea Bay’s cancer centre after it took delivery of a state-of-the-art new scanner.

The computed tomography, or CT, scanner represents an overall investment of £2 million and comes complete with ambient sounds and images which the patients themselves control.

Main image above shows Back row l-r: Mark Pinson, CT lead radiographer; Sara Cobley, radiographer; Mark Stewart, CT lead radiographer; Sandra Jahic, radiotherapy support worker; Chloe Davies, Cardiff University radiotherapy student. Front row l-r: Colin Walton, patient; Karen Bettridge, senior radiographer; Helen Streater, CT operational manager.

Previously the radiotherapy department at the South West Wales Cancer Centre, SWWCC, in Singleton Hospital had just one CT scanner.

But with the department treating 2,400 patients a year, and with new, complex planning and treatment techniques regularly being introduced, one was not enough.

CT Operational Manager Helen Streater said: “Having a second CT scanner with the Philips Ambient Experience is a fantastic addition for our patients.

“Not only will it help reduce waiting times for radiotherapy planning scans, but it will also improve the overall patient experience.

“The planning CT scan is often the patient’s first time in the radiotherapy department, and understandably, many feel anxious or unsure about what to expect.”

Patients are able to choose from a range of ambient sounds and images, such as a tropical beach, an underwater scene, or a rainforest.

“It helps us create a calmer, more welcoming space — with gentle lighting, sound, and visuals that really make a difference,” added Helen.

“We’ve already seen how much more relaxed patients feel and how this helps the whole process go smoothly. Most importantly, it gives people comfort and reassurance at a time when they really need it.”

One of the first patients to use it is Colin Walton from Port Talbot. “After having an MRI, this was a very calming, positive experience,” Colin said. “The ambience was lovely.”

Pictured: The Radiotherapy Physics team. Grouped to the left are Adam Selby, lead CT clinical scientist; Owain Williams, clinical scientist; and trainee clinical scientists Emily Smith and Sophie Mayer. Grouped to the right are Dafydd Roberts, clinical scientist; Rhodri Jenkins, trainee clinical scientist; James Jenkins, trainee clinical scientist; and clinical scientists Michael Davies and Ozlem Balikci.

An important benefit of having a second CT is being able to continue to scan patients if one of the machines becomes unavailable.

Interim Head of Radiotherapy, Sophie Jenkins, said: “As a single-centre CT service, any downtime of the scanner would have meant transferring emergency patients to Cardiff for their specialist radiotherapy planning scans, which are time-critical.

“Now, with the contingency of two CT scanners, we’re able to maintain continuity of care locally, even in the event of equipment issues.”

Adam Selby, Lead CT Clinical Scientist, said: “It’s been a real team effort from our Radiotherapy Physics staff to get the new CT scanner ready for clinical use. Their work behind the scenes, testing, calibrating, and ensuring everything is safe and accurate, has been vital.

“We’re also grateful to our colleagues in Capital Planning and Finance for helping make this project a reality.

“They have driven the building work and equipment sourcing, allowing clinical staff to focus on the clinical aspects.

“With this second scanner now in place, we’re in a stronger position to scan more patients each day and reduce delays to starting treatment.”