Patients needing kidney stone removal are benefiting from the choice of quicker treatment as a result of the merger to create Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust.
Wythenshawe Hospital has a permanent lithotripsy machine, which uses ultrasound to shatter kidney stones, avoiding the need for potentially more invasive treatments. Manchester Royal Infirmary also provides a visiting lithotripsy service once every two weeks.
Following the merger to create MFT, patients assessed at the MRI now have the choice of having planned treatment at Wythenshawe if an earlier appointment is available or the location is more convenient. During July, all patients were provided with treatment within four weeks, with the small exception of a few who chose to wait for the service.
This reduced waiting time is something that we’ve been able to provide to our patients as a direct result of the merger.
From autumn 2018, MRI patients will also have access to emergency lithotripsy at Wythenshawe Hospital, further improving patient choice, recovery times, and getting the best use from Wythenshawe’s lithotripsy equipment.