Nightingale Hospital Exeter is helping to see, diagnose and treat more patients with scoliosis, a debilitating medical condition where the spine develops an abnormal sideways curvature. 
 
To date, 473 patients have been seen through the scoliosis pathway, with around 360 EOS scans subsequently performed. EOS is a low-dose x-ray that produces detailed images of the whole spine, allowing the interaction between the joints and the rest of the musculoskeletal system to be seen. They take less than 15 minutes, so are quick for both patients to receive and radiographers to perform.

Steve Barry, Superintendent Radiographer said: "The use of the EOS scanner means that patients are receiving approximately a third of the x-ray dose that that they might expect from the previous imaging technique, as radiographers we are always excited to be able to produce better images for less radiation dose."

Mr Henry Budd, Consultant Spine Surgeon and Clinical Lead for Spinal Surgery said: “The Royal Devon remains at the forefront of spine surgical diagnosis and treatment, providing Peninsula scoliosis patients with one of the few dedicated pathways in the UK.

“We incorporate advanced EOS low radiation imaging, specialist deformity surgeons, anaesthetics and multidisciplinary care that is transforming the clinical experience, while optimising outcome”

Scoliosis patients benefit from the one stop clinic approach delivered by the Buttercup Unit at the Nightingale. This is more convenient for patients as they're away from a busy acute hospital, there are less visits required and there is a reduced likelihood of things being cancelled on the day due to emergency pressures. 

Ed McIlroy, Consultant Anaesthetist, also highlights the benefits being seen including greater efficiency and an improved patient experience. "Access to EOS scanning in the same hospital visit as seeing the treating surgeon is massively streamlining the patient experience and clinician decision making process.

“The geography that the South West Spinal Service must cover (from Penzance to Bristol) is the same distance as York to London. The combined investigation and appointment clinic reduces the need for multiple hospital visits and maximises the value from a single patient attendance. This saves money, administration time and reduces treatment delay. Most importantly, it is better care for our patients".

The NHS Nightingale Hospital Exeter originally opened as a COVID-19 hospital to support the country’s response to the first wave of the pandemic. After being decommissioned as a COVID hospital, the Nightingale was purchased by organisations across the South West and in May 2021. The Nightingale is now able to offer a range of orthopaedic, ophthalmology, diagnostic and rheumatology services to local people, helping to drive down waiting lists.