Royston, Herts - On 4th April 2007 a state of the art CT Scanner was delivered to the United Kingdom Medical Group in Afghanistan (OP HERRICK).

G3 Systems was contracted to supply and install the complete scanner system, including its specialized building and support equipment, by the Clinical Projects Management Division (CPMD) of the Medical and General Stores IPT (Integrated Project Team), based at Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S).

CPMD managed the overall scope of the project on behalf of the MoD and coordinated the links between G3 Systems and the necessary various military and government agencies. From the inception of this project the CPMD and G3 Systems project teams worked closely together to ensure a successful conclusion to the supply and installation of a large, delicate, life saving instrument in a demanding environment and is a good example of the MoD and Industry working collectively towards the delivery of a critical operational medical capability.

CT (Computed Tomography) is used by the medical profession to provide highly detailed images that can be later manipulated electronically. Data gathered from a rotating X-Ray is processed by computer to generate a 3-dimensional image. The application of image filters can then remove all unwanted components from the image leaving only the specific anatomical feature of interest to the clinician.

At its heart the system comprises a Philips Brilliance multiple slice CT scanner supported by an Extended Workstation to allow image analysis and manipulation independently of the scanner. This workstation is connected to a high bandwidth satellite data-link to the Royal Hospital Haslar in the UK where the Defence Radiologist resides. This system enables images from a seriously injured soldier to be in front of a consultant radiologist within minutes of his arrival at the hospital. A clinical diagnosis is then returned by email which typically happens within 40 minutes – many times quicker than is usually achieved in a UK hospital.

The system is housed in a specially modified modular building which incorporates the screening necessary to protect others from the X-Ray radiation, environmental control systems and specialist power backup and distribution systems necessary to protect the scanner.

This is the second of such systems to be delivered, this order coming after the proven success of the initial system installed in Iraq two years previously. The scanner is an annexe of the Medical Treatment Facility, also being built by G3 Systems, at Camp Bastion, Afghanistan.

The major system components and buildings were transported into theatre with the help of the RAF.

Though not easily transportable the modular structure of the building means the system is re-locatable as demonstrated to medical personnel in Iraq recently when the hospital changed location. G3 Systems were contracted for this operation in which timely delivery was crucial to maximise the availability of this system.

Since the installation of the first scanner, G3 Systems has had an ongoing contract to provide engineering support to these systems. Using our own Philips trained engineers we have maintained excellent reliability and availability of the scanner to date.

G3 Systems, a wholly-owned subsidiary of IAP Worldwide Services, Inc., provides a range of field systems to the MOD and Government agencies, including mobile and static hospitals, temporary accommodation, kitchens, and hygiene systems. When deployed, G3 staff provides support for these systems, which currently are in use in Iraq, Afghanistan, Germany, as well as the U.K. G3’s engineering and management services team also provides “Through Life” support packages through Contractor Logistic Support (CLS), including storage, maintenance, delivery, and recovery of the equipment on behalf of its customers. IAP Worldwide Services is a leading government contractor providing global mission support for the Department of Defense and other U.S. government agencies. IAP, which is privately held, traces its roots back 50 years ago to Pan Am World Services, Inc., which build and operated America’s first space launch complex at Cape Canaveral, Fla.

IAP specializes in three lines of business: global operations and logistics; facilities management and base operations support; and professional and technical services. IAP’s corporate headquarters are located in Cape Canaveral, and the company has project sites in over 100 locations worldwide. IAP’s Worldwide Web site can be accessed at www.iapws.com

Further information on G3 Systems can be found at www.g3-systems.co.uk
End of release:
Mark Blunden
Marketing Manager
G3 Systems Ltd, Heydon Lodge, Newmarket Road, Flint Cross
Royston, Hertfordshire, SG8 7PN, UK
Tel: +44-1763-268200
Fax: +44-1763-268210
Cell - +44-7917-066339
Email – mark.blunden@g3-systems.co.uk