A NEW radiology suite means less people will have to travel to the UK for minimally invasive procedures, operations will be quicker improving waiting times, and people will have shorter recovery times, the Health Minister has said.
The £3 million facility at the Hospital – which can deliver keyhole treatments – has opened following a 16-month project which has included the installation of “state-of-the-art” equipment and refurbishment works.
It came after a damning report on the department published in 2024 that highlighted among other things concerns regarding aging equipment.
The interventional radiology suite uses advanced imaging – X-rays, CT, MRI and ultrasound – to allow clinicians to treat conditions using only catheters and wires – a “minimally invasive” approach in comparison to traditional surgeries that pain and recovery time.
These include treatment for vascular conditions such as blood clots and bleeding vessels, keyhole treatment for fibroids, treatment for enlarged prostates, drainage of infections and abscesses and the insertion of long-term intravenous lines for patients requiring ongoing treatments such as chemotherapy.
Nolan Walker, consultant interventional radiologist. Image: Rob Currie Credit: Rob Currie 
A close up of part of the machine is called a Fluoroscopic C Arm. Image: Rob Currie Credit: Rob Currie 
A close up of part of the machine is called a Fluoroscopic C Arm. Image: Rob Currie Credit: Rob Currie 
The machine is called a Fluoroscopic C Arm. Image: Rob Currie Credit: Rob Currie
This new suite is also hoped to reduce waiting times. It was recently revealed that over 700 Islanders are facing year-long surgery waits – a situation which health bosses say they are “not comfortable” with.
The project also included the full refurbishment of one of the hospital’s theatres to create the new IR suite, alongside the purchase of new medical equipment to provide resilience and back-up for theatre machines.
The existing radiology room has also been upgraded to accommodate a new fluoroscopy and interventional radiology unit. Fluoroscopy provides real‑time moving images, allowing clinicians to see organs, blood vessels, catheters and needles as they work.
Funds for the £3 million project came from charitable donations to the Health Department through the John Clive Le Seelleur Trust and the E J Bailhache Fund.
Dr Nolan Walker, consultant radiologist, said: “This new interventional radiology suite allows us to treat more patients using minimally invasive techniques, closer to home, with faster recovery times and fewer hospital admissions.
“This new room is an exciting development which further enables Jersey to continue to offer the most up-to-date and cutting-edge treatments for Islanders. A big thank you to the charitable funds which have helped us to achieve this.”
In a statement, Health Minister Tom Binet added: “This new £3 million suite is a major step forward for our hospital and for patient care.
“I’m grateful to the generous donors who helped make this possible, and I would like to thank the teams who have worked so hard to bring this state-of-the-art facility to life for our community.”
Speaking to the JEP, he added: “It means fewer people have to travel to the UK, people can get less invasive surgeries, operations can be quicker and people can have shorter recovery times.”
