The first patient to be scanned by the Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust’s new gamma camera – the first of its kind in the country – has praised the camera as an ‘amazing machine’.

The hospital’s new Veriton digital (solid state) gamma camera reduces scanning time for patients while creating clearer

images which help with diagnosis.

David Cherrie, 69, from Salisbury, was at the RUH for a full-body scan and was the first patient to use the new gamma camera.

He said: “It’s an amazing machine. I felt fine during the scan, although I can imagine some people might feel a bit nervous and claustrophobic at times. The staff were great and made me comfortable and relaxed.”

Joy Ganotisi, the Senior Nuclear Medicine Technician who carried out the scan, said: “It was the first time we’ve used this scanner, and it was very exciting. We’ve had lots of training and we’re all looking forward to using it now and giving our patients a good experience.”

Funding for the new equipment was only made possible thanks to the generosity of the Bath Cancer Unit Support Group (BCUSG), which donated an incredible £340,000 towards its purchase, in addition to the other equipment and facilities it already helps to fund for the RUH’s cancer patients.

In addition to the new technology, which is housed in the RUH’s

Clinical Imaging and Measurement department, the department’s camera examination room has been refurbished to provide a modern, bright, comfortable space for patients to be scanned in.