A major step forward for diagnostic imaging in Somerset has been reached with the reopening of the Nuclear Medicine department at Musgrove Park Hospital, following a significant refurbishment and the installation of a new state-of-the-art 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 not only broadens the range of scans available locally but also improves patient flow, reduces waiting times, and delivers 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 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.”
For patients, the redevelopment means a seamless journey from arrival to scan. Clinicians benefit from advanced imaging that accelerates diagnosis, informs treatment decisions, and improves outcomes.
A recently released video documents a patient’s pathway at Musgrove Park Hospital while receiving treatment for stage 4 prostate cancer, highlighting how the refurbished department offers a more comfortable, efficient, and reassuring journey.
Watch the video here: Major Upgrade for Musgrove Park Hospital’s Nuclear Medicine Department on Vimeo
With advanced imaging capabilities and specialist scans now available, Musgrove Park Hospital is redefining nuclear medicine in Somerset – offering precision, convenience, and world-class care all under one roof.
