Alder Hey neurosurgeon explains how breakthrough CT scanner will bring faster care to patients
Alder Hey Children’s Charity has launched its Every Second Counts Appeal to raise essential funds for a state-of-the-art CT scanner, helping to ensure Alder Hey continues to lead the way in paediatric innovation and healthcare.
To understand the impact this new equipment will have, we’re speaking with clinicians across the hospital about the vital role CT scans play in their work, and how one of the most advanced scanners in the world will make a real difference for the children and young people in our care.
One of those clinicians is Benedetta Pettorini, Consultant Paediatric Neurosurgeon and Director of Surgery at Alder Hey. For Benedetta and her team, CT scans are a critical tool in diagnosing and treating children with brain injuries and neurological conditions.
We sat down with her to hear why the opportunity to bring this next-generation scanner to Alder Hey is so important, not just for her department, but for every family who relies on our hospital for the very best care.
Why are CT scans so important in your role?
CT scans are one of the most used and essential diagnostic tools in neurosurgery. They allow us to effectively and accurately diagnose most neurological conditions in children. Given how critical imaging is to our work, it’s vital that we have access to the most advanced and up-to-date equipment available on the market.
What difference will this new scanner make for your department?
CT scans offer a quick and effective method for diagnosing neurological problems. This next-generation scanner not only provides even faster imaging but also delivers significantly improved definition of the brain and skull. With a single scan sequence, we’ll be able to gather much more detailed information than we currently can. In short, better image quality in less time is the future of diagnostic imaging in neurosurgery, and this scanner represents a major step in that direction.
In your experience, what are some of the advantages of the new CT scanner?
There are numerous benefits to introducing this new-generation CT scanner at Alder Hey. While current CT scanners are already fast, this one is even quicker, which is especially important when imaging young children. In paediatrics, speed is crucial. A faster scan means less stress for both the patient and their parents. It also results in a much more comfortable experience overall. Importantly, the reduced scanning time means lower radiation exposure, which is a top priority when it comes to protecting children’s developing brains. This scanner is a major leap forward, not only improving patient experience but also helping us deliver safer and more effective care.
What will having this scanner mean for Alder Hey and our region?
Alder Hey has long been recognised as a pioneer in clinical care, technology, and innovation. The addition of this advanced CT scanner continues that legacy, keeping us at the forefront of paediatric healthcare. It gives us the opportunity to become the first paediatric hospital in the world to implement this technology, setting a new standard for diagnostic imaging. It reinforces our role as a leader not just regionally, but globally, in providing the very best care and technology for children.
How you can help
Alder Hey Children’s Charity is raising £952,000 to make this vision a reality – and every gift takes us one step closer.
Your support will help children across the North West and beyond get faster, safer diagnoses and the best possible start to treatment.
👉 Click here to visit our appeal page and make a difference today
Because when it comes to saving lives – every second counts.
