The Nuclear Medicine department at Musgrove Park Hospital in Somerset has reopened following a refurbishment and the installation of a new SPECT-CT scanner.
Delivered by Ergéa UK in partnership with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, the redevelopment includes a purpose-built facility with dedicated patient and clinical areas. The upgrade is intended to broaden the range of scans available locally, improve patient flow, reduce waiting times, and deliver a smoother, more comfortable experience for those accessing nuclear medicine services.
The new scanner combines traditional nuclear imaging with diagnostic-quality CT to produce high-resolution 3D images, capturing both anatomical structures and functional activity. This advanced imaging allows clinicians to diagnose, monitor, and guide treatment with exceptional precision. Complex procedures – such as parathyroid and orthopaedic bone scans – can now be carried out locally, reducing travel and waiting times for patients across Somerset and the Southwest.
Looking ahead, the department plans to introduce specialist scans such as DaTscan for Parkinson’s disease and neuroendocrine tumour imaging, meaning that patients no longer need to travel to Bristol, Bath, Exeter, or Salisbury for advanced nuclear medicine services.
The reopening was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the Nuclear Medicine team, marking a milestone in local healthcare.
Suzie Mahon, senior clinical technologist at Musgrove Park Hospital, said: “We are very pleased to be able to offer this level of nuclear medicine to our patients for the first time. This investment futureproofs the service and helps reduce waiting lists across Somerset, making care more accessible for our patients.”
Gavin Brooksbank, head of implementation at Ergéa UK, added: “Our partnership with Somerset NHS Foundation Trust demonstrates the power of collaboration. We are proud to have contributed to a purpose-built facility that enhances patient care, streamlines services, and benefits the wider community.”
