A brand-new CT Scanner worth €1.2 million has been officially opened at Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street thanks to Tesco Ireland in partnership with Children’s Health Foundation.
The vital funds for the purchase and installation of the equipment were raised by the generosity of Tesco colleagues and customers during the depths of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. The money raised for the purchase of the machine came from a combination of activities, including customer donations at the till, colleague fundraisers, and through the sale of the annual Christmas teddy in stores nationwide.
The CT Scanner plays a vital role in the hospital’s ability to provide the highest standards of care to all patients needing this diagnostic x-ray. This state-of-the-art piece of equipment is invaluable to aid in the diagnosis of sick children with a wide range of illnesses and injuries.
This new scanner provides high quality CT imaging at faster speeds, reducing the requirement to sedate younger patients without compromising on image quality. The scanner also utilises low-dose technology that minimises the radiation doses delivered to Children’s Health Ireland patients.
The CT Scanner and treatment area is “Outer Space” themed, as chosen by Tesco colleagues. In addition to making the clinical area more child friendly, the theme, also has benefits for patients. According to the radiography team in Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street, the benefits of a fun and child friendly theme has contributed to higher rate of successful scans, resulting in children who are calmer rather than scared.
Natasha Adams, Chief Executive Officer, Tesco Ireland said: “We are thrilled to be part of the advancement in medical diagnosis in Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street. At Tesco Ireland, we are extremely proud of our colleagues who worked tirelessly in 2020 to raise the funds for the CT Scanner.
Hugh Kane, Interim Chief Executive, Children's Health Foundation said: “To have fully funded the purchase of a brand-new CT Scanner is something to be admired and celebrated. We thank our close partner Tesco Ireland, it's amazing colleagues and generous customers for giving sick children another vital piece of diagnosis equipment to give them the very best chance.”
Eilísh Hardiman, Chief Executive, Children's Health Ireland said: “The newly installed CT Scanner in Children’s Health Ireland at Temple Street provides a 24/7 CT service, undertaking around two thousand scans per year so this represents a key investment in radiology services across Children’s Health Ireland. The radiology team are thrilled to start using this state-of-the-art equipment and are delighted with the family-centered CT facility in which the service will be delivered. Thank you, Tesco Ireland and Children’s Health Foundation. Children’s Health Ireland looks forward to continuing to work together in our future plans for children’s healthcare.”
Funding donated from Tesco has helped Children’s Health Foundation purchase over 330 pieces of vital equipment for Children’s Health Ireland hospitals and urgent care centres – including an EEG system, ultrasound scanners, patient monitors and respiratory equipment. Since 2014, Tesco Ireland has raised over €8.3 million for Children’s Health Foundation, to support the life-saving work across all Children’s Health Ireland services at Crumlin, Temple Street, Tallaght and Connolly hospitals.
