September 5, 2025 North Tees And Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust | ImageFlow Fluoroscopy Stretcher Background The endoscopy team at the North Tees Hospital Endoscopy Unit, run by North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, was looking for a trolley that catered to a wide variety of imaging and endoscopy procedures, while also functioning as a patient trolley to support patients for the duration of their stay in the unit. By implementing the ImageFlow Fluoroscopy Stretcher, the team have increased efficiency, staff safety, and patient comfort. Challenge Before implementing the ImageFlow Stretcher, the endoscopy unit faced several challenges: Frequent patient transfers: In the absence of a dual-purpose trolley like the ImageFlow, the team had to transfer the patient from a trolley to a table and back again after the procedure, leading to reduced efficiency. Frequent repositioning: If a patient was positioned too high or too low on the mattress platform, the manual repositioning of patients and heavy C-arm equipment was labour-intensive and time-consuming. Limited access and mobility: The department struggled with the previous table due to its insufficient height and width, which created challenges when working with large patients. Patient safety and comfort: Ensuring patient safety and comfort during and in between procedures was challenging with the existing equipment. These challenges resulted in inefficiencies affecting the staff’s workload and the patients’ comfort and safety. Solution The team at North Tees Hospital addressed these challenges by implementing the Felgains ImageFlow Fluoroscopy Trolley, a hospital imaging stretcher designed for endoscopy and fluoroscopy procedures requiring a C-arm. The ImageFlow also functions as a comfortable patient stretcher, facilitating the team’s need to support patients in between procedures. Key features of the ImageFlow: Sliding patient platform: Allows 490mm of horizontal movement, minimising the need to move patients or the C-arm. U-shaped base: Provides 1480mm of lateral C-arm access with no vertical clearance limit, facilitating unrestricted camera movement. Hydraulic & electronic adjustments: Easily adjustable hydraulic backrest and leg rest combined with electronic height adjustment and Trendelenburg functions. Very mobile: The ImageFlow doubles as a patient transport stretcher, which reduces the need for additional patient transfers. High safe working load: The high 320kg SWL is suitable for a broader range of patients, including heavier individuals. Stainless steel frame: Ensures durability and reliability in demanding hospital settings. Impact and Results Enhanced efficiency and patient flow The ImageFlow has significantly streamlined the department’s workflow. The sliding patient platform and U-shaped base reduced the time and effort required for repositioning, increasing the department’s efficiency and patient flow. Furthermore, by doubling as a patient stretcher, the number of patient transfers has been reduced, increasing efficiency. Reduced manual handling risk for staff As well as reduced patient transfers, the ImageFlow’s sliding mattress platform reduces the need for the staff to manually reposition the patient or C-arm camera, reducing the risk of muscular strain and injury. Improved access and patient safety The trolley’s low height, combined with the width of the mattress platform, makes the patients feel safe and comfortable between and during procedures. The longitudinal slide and excellent C-arm access mean the trolley is easy for staff to use during procedures. Learnings and Conclusions By implementing the ImageFlow Stretcher, the team at North Tees Hospital Endoscopy Unit has: Empowered staff with more efficient and user-friendly equipment. Improved patient outcomes by enhancing comfort and safety during and between procedures. Streamlined workflow and improved patient flow, leading to increased overall efficiency in the department. How to implement this in your hospital Seeing the positive impact of this project at North Tees Hospital, how could your hospital benefit from similar improvements? We can collaborate with you to develop a tailored solution that addresses your specific needs, significantly enhancing efficiency and patient care in your imaging departments. From initial project scoping to implementation and monitoring, we are here to support you every step of the way. To start the conversation, please call us at 01473 741144, email us at [email protected], or contact us using the form below. Get in touch Got a question or want to send us a message? Let’s talk.