Young Sheffield hospital patient grateful for scanner treatment

In 2019, the Children’s Hospital Charity launched the EOS X-ray scanner at the hospital, dramatically reducing radiation levels.

Only the second of its kind available to children in the UK, the scanner provides an ultra-low dose 2D and 3D digital X-ray, with improved image quality to aid assessment and surgical planning.

Specialists use a micro-dose method, reducing radiation exposure compared to conventional x-rays by more than 90%, with a full head-to-toe image provided in 15 seconds or less.

As a result, the EOS scanner has become standard practice when examining children looked after by the spinal team at Sheffield Children’s.

The equipment particularly aids patients who require regular limb and spine curvature examinations.

GP gets on bike to deliver vaccine

Among them is 15-year-old Abigail Crampin, who travels 160 miles from her home in Bridlington for care for scoliosis, which is a curvature of the spine that is rare in children.

She said: “The EOS machine looked scary at first, it’s really big and I’d never seen anything like it before, so I was quite nervous. But the staff reassured me, everyone was really friendly and helpful. The scan itself was so quick and easy too.”

Costing £380,000, the machine was bought with a £280,000 donation from the Morrisons Foundation, a charity set up by the supermarket, and large donations from The University of Sheffield and David and Jean Fyfe’s charity Daffodil Ball.

To support the charity, visit www.tchc.org.uk

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor