Paul Strickland Scanner Centre has launched a new, cloud-based remote image viewing portal for private referrers. The system will give you the opportunity to view your patients’ scans and reports anywhere and at any time.
Paul Strickland Scanner Centre has launched a new, cloud-based remote image viewing portal for private referrers. The system will give you the opportunity to view your patients’ scans and reports anywhere and at any time.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How does the new remote image viewer work?
It is a cloud-based system, which allows us to upload scan images from Paul Strickland Scanner Centre to the cloud. It allows private referrers to view images and reports without being on site. Traditionally imaging has had to be sent to other trusts or private organisations by IEP, but now clinicians can access images via mobile devices, laptops or even just through a desktop computer with internet connection.
Have you piloted the system?
We carried out a thorough, extended trial over several months, involving a number of our referrers, who became familiar with the system – it was even used it to present scans during MDT meetings. The response has been extremely enthusiastic.
Which technology does it use?
The images are hosted by Cimar Medical Imaging Cloud. For more information about Cimar’s services:
Which images will medical teams be able to view?
We’re planning to make all our private scans across all three modalities we have at Paul Strickland Scanner Centre available via the system. This includes the radiology report, which is included as an image.
Although we’ve decided to initially focus on private patients, we intend rolling it out to the NHS in the long run.
Does this mean images will no longer be sent by IEP?
We will continue sending images via IEP for the foreseeable future. The new remote image viewer is great for allowing clinicians to see the most recent images, but IEP enables other healthcare institutions to import the images onto their own systems for longer-term storage and reference.
What about data security?
Although the viewer underlying the cloud is used cross the world, Cimar is a UK company focusing primarily on the UK market. They have committed themselves to very high standards of security and GDPR compliance, plus they are registered with the Information Commisioner’s Office.
Can I securely share images with peers?
Yes. There are ways in which images can be shared securely within the system between consultants, referring surgeons and other colleagues in order to get a second opinion regarding management of a patient.
What happens with the reports accompanying scans?
As part of the project, we have developed robust internal systems that allow us to upload the scans and reports to the cloud as soon as the report is ready.
Once the patient has had their scan, how long until the report and scan are accessible?
We aim to make scans available within a few days, sometimes more quickly. Once uploaded to the cloud, it takes just minutes until the scan is available to the referrer.
How do I know when my scans are ready?
The system offers email alerts.
How can I share reports with colleagues?
Within the new system, there is a set of simple drop-down menus that allows for secure sharing of images.
What about training for the new system?
Although the system is intuitive and very simple to use, an online support system is in place if you have any ad hoc questions.
How do you see the service developing in the future?
I expect this system will become a major way in which our scans are accessed. We know that private patients can often move between hospitals and consultants in an unpredictable fashion and sharing imaging between these boundaries is going to be particularly challenging – but this online image viewing and sharing platform facilitates information sharing at the point of need.
How can I sign up to use new system?
Requesting accreditation is easy – just visit https://www.stricklandscanner.org.uk/for-health-professionals/remote-image-viewer to sign up.
What do I do if I have any further questions?
You can get in touch with our team on pacs-iep@stricklandscanner.org.uk and they will be happy to assist.
