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Over 180,000 patients in England were
waiting more than 13 weeks for diagnostic tests at the end of last year. This includes X-ray and ultrasound scans, which are used to detect tumours and bone fractures. As NHS staff attempt to tackle the backlog,
their efforts are being hindered by outdated scanning equipment. Although medical guidelines state that diagnostic machines should be replaced every ten years, a survey found that 41 hospital trusts had at least one X-ray machine over 20 years old.
The impact of outdated equipment is wide ranging. Long wait times reduce the chances of early detection, which is essential when diagnosing illnesses such as cancer, as it enables treatment to begin before it spreads further. Although predictive maintenance is
an increasingly common way of reducing unplanned equipment downtime, this often requires newer technologies such as smart sensors, which cannot always be integrated into decades-old machines. A further issue with older scanning equipment is that it may expose patients to more radiation, as modern X-ray machines use around 96 per cent less radiation than equipment from 50 years ago.
Currently, three per cent of NHS budget is
spent on radiology devices. However, with the creation of the NHS medical technology (medtech) strategy that supports access to innovative devices, there could be funding available for newer scanning equipment. Recent developments in X-ray and magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI) technology mean that scanners can use artificial intelligence (AI) to produce clearer images as well as help to detect cancer. The more swiftly patients are diagnosed, the sooner they can begin treatment. To enable imaging machines to accurately
diagnose a wide range of medical conditions and illnesses, motors are essential. These devices give scanning equipment a full range of motion, allowing optimal positioning for capturing clear images. Many medical imaging machines depend on
stepper motors, a type of brushless DC electric motor, to manoeuvre them. The reliability of these motors is essential, allowing NHS staff to reduce the diagnostic test backlog without being limited by temperamental equipment. EMS supplies FAULHABER Precistep stepper
motors, which have a long service life that is essential for continuous operation without performance loss or unscheduled downtime. In addition, FAULHABER stepper motors
can make repeatable motions without the need for closed loop control. This means they are well suited to the meticulous positioning requirements of scanning machines. Precision made stepper motors also supports increased patient comfort, as the motors operate smoothly, reducing noise and vibration. As the NHS strives to reduce diagnostic test
waiting times, the need for modern imaging equipment powered by reliable motors cannot be overstated when it comes to tackling the backlog.
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www.faulhaber.com/faulhaber-l/en
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