Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | FLARE Imaging Table

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust operates across four hospital sites, delivering a wide range of specialist and interventional procedures. Within one of its fluoroscopy suites at Churchill Hospital, the Trust was reliant on ageing fixed‑height equipment, including a 15‑year‑old GE fluoroscopy table that no longer met modern clinical or safety expectations. The unit had a history of height control faults and had, on occasion, unexpectedly powered down during use, presenting an unacceptable risk to staff and patients.

In addition to the fixed fluoro table, clinicians were also using a basic central column operating table for line insertions, which introduced inefficiencies, workflow disruption and clinical compromise.

With increasing procedural demand across pain management, vascular access, urology and specialist interventions, the Trust identified a clear requirement for a modern imaging table that could safely support multidisciplinary use with both legacy and current imaging systems.

Clinical Requirements

The table needed to support a high volume of fluoroscopy‑guided procedures, including:

• Tesio line insertions and central line placements
• Pain management procedures
• Sacral Nerve Stimulator clinics, held monthly
• Urology procedures

The imaging environment includes Siemens and GE C‑arms using both image intensifier and flat panel systems. Clinicians require uninterrupted imaging from the top of the nose to the lower chest, making table translucency and imaging window length critical factors.

While vertical positioning and the option of a footplate were initially discussed, the clinical team confirmed suitable contingency arrangements were already in place, allowing focus to remain on core imaging performance, safety and reliability.

The Solution

Following evaluation and consultation, the FLARE Imaging Operating Table was selected as the most suitable solution.

Key factors in its selection included:

• A large radiolucent imaging window, ideal for fluoroscopy‑guided line insertions and upper torso imaging
• Full compatibility with C‑arms, across both intensifier and flat panel technologies
• Height adjustability to support safe patient positioning and improve ergonomics for clinicians
• A stable platform suitable for crossover use by pain management, urology and visiting SNS teams

The table was specified with a practical, clinically focused configuration rather than unnecessary extras. Accessories included arm supports and abdominal straps for secure patient positioning.

The FLARE table in situ at Churchill Hospital:

Outcome

The FLARE Imaging Operating Table has now been fully installed and integrated into routine clinical use.

Since installation, the Trust reports:

• Improved workflow during fluoroscopy‑led procedures
• Enhanced clinician confidence compared to the previous ageing equipment
• Reduced reliance on multiple tables for different procedures
• Safe, efficient crossover use between pain management, urology and visiting SNS clinicians

The new table provides a future‑proofed imaging platform capable of supporting both existing and evolving procedural demands across the Trust’s sites.

Conclusion

By investing in the FLARE Imaging Operating Table, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has replaced ageing, unreliable equipment with a clinically proven, radiolucent solution tailored to modern fluoroscopy practice.

The project demonstrates how a focused specification can deliver measurable improvements in safety and efficiency while remaining aligned with NHS capital and equipment planning requirements.

To discuss how this approach could work in your hospital, call 01473 741144, email [email protected] or contact us using the form below.