What is Dynamic Digital Radiography (DDR)?

DDR is an advanced X-ray technology that captures a rapid sequence of digital images at a low radiation dose using a wireless system. Instead of a single still image, DDR produces a short video—known as a cine loop—allowing clinicians to observe anatomical structures in motion. This dynamic approach enhances diagnostic precision, offering vital insights into how organs and tissues behave, rather than just how they appear at a single moment.

Traditional imaging technologies like CT and MRI deliver incredible detail but are limited when it comes to evaluating movement. DDR fills this critical gap, providing a large 17” x 17” field of view, low radiation exposure, and wireless portability that enables imaging at the bedside. It’s an ideal solution for observing the lungs, diaphragm, joints, and cardiovascular structures in action—without requiring contrast media or extensive patient preparation.

Elevating Critical Care and Emergency Diagnostics

Here is the need for speed and accuracy greater than in intensive care units and A&E. In these settings, DDR proves invaluable. Its ability to rapidly capture real-time movement directly at the patient’s bedside minimizes the risks associated with patient transportation, particularly for those who are critically ill or vulnerable to infection.

The mobility of DDR systems like the AeroDR TX allows clinicians to perform exams anywhere within the hospital, delivering immediate visualisation of dynamic changes. In emergency situations, where traditional static imaging might fall short, DDR provides the crucial functional information needed to make swift, informed decisions about patient care. The streamlined workflow and wireless design mean that exams can be completed within minutes, ensuring vital diagnostic data is available without delays.

Beyond Imaging: Quantifying Motion with Advanced Software

The power of DDR extends beyond simply capturing motion. Using the DI-X1 workstation, clinicians can now quantify the movement of anatomical structures with precision. This dedicated software suite enables measurement of lung field areas, diaphragm excursion, and tracheal diameters, providing valuable data to monitor conditions such as COPD, cystic fibrosis, or diaphragmatic dysfunction.

DDR also offers a unique capability to evaluate lung perfusion without the need for IV contrast agents or radiopharmaceuticals. By analysing signal changes related to pulmonary circulation, DDR provides a safe, accessible alternative to more invasive techniques, aiding in the detection of conditions like Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension (CTEPH).

Additionally, enhanced visualization tools such as bone suppression and frequency enhancement dramatically improve the clarity of soft tissue structures, making it easier to detect lesions or adhesions that might otherwise be hidden by bone.

Dynamic Digital Radiography is more than just another imaging technology—it represents a profound shift in how we approach diagnostics. By offering fast, functional imaging with minimal radiation exposure and unparalleled flexibility, DDR puts the patient at the centre of care.

Clinicians are empowered with richer, more actionable information, while hospitals benefit from more efficient workflows and reduced overall costs. Whether it’s improving outcomes in critical care settings, refining respiratory assessments, or enhancing surgical follow-up, DDR is paving the way for a smarter, more responsive future in medical imaging.

Experience the future of diagnostic imaging with Dynamic Digital Radiography. Contact us today to find out how DDR can transform your clinical practice and more information in the brochure here –

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A leading specialist distributor and services provider of medical equipment and related supplies, maintenance services and repairs to hospitals across the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain, HSL’s reputation for supporting public and private hospitals across the UK and Republic of Ireland has been established over six decades of close partnership with an emphasis on understanding the unique requirements and challenges of customers within public and private hospitals across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Bolstered by significant investment from Foresight Group between 2015 and 2023 and operating from its Belfast headquarters with offices in Dublin, Meath and Wicklow in Ireland and Derby and Westbury in Great Britain, HSL has seen nearly seven-fold growth since 2015 and five-fold growth of its team from 30 to 175.

HSL provides high-quality equipment to a growing number of customers on both sides of the Irish Sea, with over 500 medical facilities supported in 2024. Its service and maintenance division ensures minimal downtime for key hospital equipment – a vital issue for healthcare providers amid high patient demand. The company’s product and solutions offering includes diagnostic imaging and detection equipment, surgical devices, patient monitoring equipment, and a range of healthcare and communication technologies which support healthcare professionals throughout the patient care pathway.

Commenting on the investment Johan Falk, CEO Asker Healthcare Group added, “With the acquisition of HSL we are taking another step in our ambition to build the leading healthcare group in Europe within medical products and solutions. HSL has an attractive equipment and services offering that will complement our group well and further strengthen our scale benefits. The HSL team and their track record of building strong customer and OEM relationships while also being a local consolidator has truly impressed us. We see HSL as our base for future growth in the region and are looking forward to drive progress in healthcare together with Dominic Walsh and his team.”

HSL CEO Dominic Walsh added, “Over the past 60 years we have established ourselves as a trusted partner to healthcare providers in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and GB and are now one of the largest privately-owned medical equipment and service providers in the region. Becoming part of Asker Healthcare Group signifies a strategic step which will provide us with an even stronger offer with more innovative solutions to help to improve patient care. We are now ready for the next phase of our growth path.”

Reflecting on their successful partnership and exit from Hospital Serices Limited, James Livingston, Partner at Foresight Group added: “HSL is an excellent example of our unique commitment to investing in, building and growing companies across Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Republic Ireland. HSL has transformed from a small, family business into one of the largest privately-owned healthcare product distributors, with its team providing important on-going technical and clinical support to hospitals on both sides of the Irish Sea. We wish its dedicated and entrepreneurial team every success under the new ownership and are confident it will continue to thrive.”

On their long-standing and fruitful relationship with Foresight Group Dominic Walsh said, “Over the last decade, Foresight Group has been instrumental in helping Hospital Services to grow quickly in the right way. It has been a great relationship and they have brought so much more to our business than just investment, they have facilitated positive challenge, strategic direction and expertise in ESG.”

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Mobile carts serve as a bridge between digital tools and bedside care. By enabling seamless access to Electronic Patient Records (EPR) and other vital systems, they reduce time spent away from patients, allowing clinicians to focus on what matters most: patient outcomes.

These carts also streamline daily tasks such as medication administration and real-time charting. Their mobility ensures that critical data and tools are accessible wherever they’re needed, reducing redundancies and minimising errors. For example, in the Encompass Project rollout, mobile carts played a pivotal role in supporting EPR integration across multiple Trusts in Northern Ireland. This transformation led to smoother workflows and reduced pressure on IT teams, showcasing the operational benefits of these devices.

Modern carts are highly customisable to meet the needs of various departments, from critical care and emergency departments to surgical theaters and outpatient clinics. With options for integrated barcode scanners, secure medication drawers, and ergonomic designs, they adapt to a range of healthcare environments while maintaining efficiency.

Additionally, ergonomic features like adjustable heights and easy maneuverability reduce physical strain on healthcare workers. By improving comfort and minimising repetitive stress, carts contribute to staff well-being—an essential factor in maintaining high-quality care.

Advanced carts now integrate cutting-edge technology, including telemedicine capabilities, real-time diagnostics, and AI-driven tools. They are no longer just storage and mobility units; they are platforms for delivering modern healthcare innovations. As healthcare continues to evolve, future developments may include automated navigation, enhanced connectivity for IoT devices, and even robotics to further streamline care delivery.

Mobile carts are more than just tools—they are enablers of modern healthcare. By improving access to technology, enhancing workflows, and supporting staff, they play an essential role in meeting the demands of today’s fast-paced healthcare environments.

At HSL, we’re proud to be at the forefront of this transformation, partnering with healthcare organisations to deliver state-of-the-art mobile cart solutions, as seen in the Encompass Project. Together, we’re shaping a more efficient, patient-centered future.

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Fully customized Pulse solution powered by Pexip

Ergotron powered cart

All in one PC

Key benefits:

• Provides timely life saving interventions
• Improves patient outcomes after stroke
• Simple easy to use workflow

Context:

This project aims to address the challenges and gaps in current stroke services, such as lack of local specialists, the delays in diagnosis and treatment, and the lack of integration and security of remote consultation services.

Challenge:

The existing remote diagnosis systems were not integrated, secure or user-friendly, and they depend on dedicated devices and network services that may not be available or reliable. These challenges result in delays, inefficiencies, for stroke patients, especially during late evening and overnight periods when local specialists may not be available. To address these challenges, HSL developed a next generation Telehealth solution that enables remote consultation and diagnoses of stroke patients by expert neurologists using a simple app on a tablet, smartphone or laptop. This solution is integrated with the Health Service infrastructure, assures security and privacy, and allows the results to be included in the electronic care record.

Solution

One of HSL’s flagship projects is the Telestroke service, which aims to improve the outcomes of stroke patients in Northern Ireland. The project was initiated by HSL CEO Dominic Walsh, who envisioned a system that would enable remote consultation and diagnosis of stroke patients by expert neurologists. He presented his idea to a group of leading consultants in June 2019, and received positive feedback and support. The project then entered the clinical trial phase, where HSL worked closely with the health authorities and the hospitals to develop and test a medical grade solution that meets the highest standards of quality and safety. The Telestroke service allows stroke patients to receive timely and effective care, regardless of their location or the availability of local specialists. The project has been a success story for HSL, as it demonstrates the potential of Telehealth to transform the delivery of healthcare in Northern Ireland and beyond.

Results

Commenting on this exciting step in stroke care, consultant stroke physicians Dr Enda Kerr and Dr Michael McCormick said, “We are impressed by the simplicity and elegance of the solution that was presented to us by HSL. Being able to intervene, support our colleagues and conduct remote consultations with the patient from a tablet or phone has changed how we work and speeds up diagnosis and time critical treatments. Time is of the essence when treating someone who has had a stroke, so literally every minute counts. The Telehealth platform has the potential to make a significant contribution to improved patient outcomes after stroke, especially during late evening and overnight periods”.

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A major area of focus for AVer across the UK and Ireland and across the EU as a whole is to work with a select number of partners that will add value and deliver Telehealth / Telemedicine solutions across its eco-system, helping health care providers and their patients communicate with each other at a distance and improve efficiencies and reduce workload through the use of video. Commenting on the partnership, Chris Godsalve, AVer Channel Sales Manager for the UK and Ireland said, 

“With HSL being recognised as a leading services provider in the healthcare sector this ties in nicely with our global partner strategy for the Healthcare vertical as we are always looking to work with partners that are delivering innovative and scalable Telehealth solutions that will allow for better patient care and streamline the workload of healthcare professionals by allowing them to connect better via the power of Video.”

Amongst AVer’s portfolio are a number of simple, yet Innovative and scalable solutions that can be used for telemedicine applications, delivering better outcomes for both healthcare professionals and the patients they provide care for on a daily.

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Over the last year, we have consulted with Blackpool Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, general X-ray team to supply a general x-ray room which can be used across a diverse patient demographic. The Shimadzu RADspeed Pro general radiographic system has provided an improved workflow for busy teams whilst also achieving dose reduction for patients.

“In addition to the streamlined workflow which the system offers that enables our team to treat more patients more effectively, the adaptability of the system means that the same technology can be used for diagnostic imaging of patients ranging from paediatrics to elderly patients,”

said Joanne Peacock, (Interim) General X-Ray Manager.

“The technology will also help our team to answer the growing demand for chest x-rays as patients dealing with prolonged ‘long-Covid’ symptoms continue to present with ongoing imaging requirements.”

The newly installed Shimadzu RADspeed pro system is our first installation of its type in England and Scotland and the first radiography project we have carried out within Blackpool Teaching Hospitals. In addition to providing a more intuitive and comfortable experience for radiographers and patients, the system also utilises image stitching software powered by Canon, where the x-ray is programmed to take several pictures and render them together into one larger x-ray image on screen for a more comprehensive view of the area being examined.

Commenting on the newly-forged relationship between HSL and Blackpool Victoria Hospital HSL CEO Dominic Walsh said,

“We are proud to have worked side by side with the Department of Radiology at Blackpool Victoria Hospital to ensure that the project delivered tangible benefits to the hospital’s radiography team and patients alike. The Shimadzu RADspeed Pro which has been installed within the Department is a truly robust and versatile piece of equipment which can be used for a wide range and high volume of patients to help improve patient through-put and streamline the workflow for the very busy radiography team.”

L to R: Helen Leach Senior Radiographer and Elizabeth Davis, Reporting Radiographer, both joint managers of the new in-patient suite at Blackpool Victoria Hospital, with Ruth Fry, Application Specialist.

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Giving patients the option to stay at home has provided a significant boost in the drive to help prevent the spread of COVID, and as a longer-term strategic solution is now delivering a practical alternative for people with mobility issues or those living in remote areas.

The innovative solution, available to hospitals and healthcare providers across the UK through the procurement route of the Patient and Healthcare Communications and Related IT Services Framework, will give clinicians and patients the option of high-quality, integrated, face-to-face video consultations without the need for expensive equipment and technology investments. Patients can access the platform via their mobile phones or tablets.

The lots secured are:

Lot 4 Patient Check-In Management System – an advanced and modular patient flow solution designed to support the challenges and demands faced by busy outpatient and ED departments as they strive to handle post COVID patient workloads. Modules include mobile check-in, online appointment booking, self-check-in kiosks, patient calling, and patient reminders.

Lot 5 App Development Services – provision to develop intuitive, patient-centric mobile applications compatible with mobile phone platforms such as iOS, Android, Kindle etc designed to foster improved patient engagement and ultimately better patient health outcomes.

Lot 7 Video Conferencing System – state-of the art, integrated video conferencing solutions for inpatients, outpatients, emergency and urgent care, administrative and other clinical services, compatible with existing communication platforms.

Proven track records

The partnership between Savience and HSL emerged from the pair working on several joint projects across Northern Ireland. Both companies have a major presence across the UK’s healthcare landscape.
Integrated with the trusts’ patient administration systems, Savience’s Clarity manages the entire patient appointment process and patient flows, while HSL delivers the video conferencing and collaboration platform.

How virtual consultations work

Once an appointment is marked as a video consultation, Clarity creates a call in the video system and an invitation SMS message is automatically sent to the patient. Clarity monitors the status of all calls being managed through the video software and updates the patient’s status accordingly.

Existing processes and working practices can remain largely unchanged. The Clarity dashboard is used by clinicians for their routine clinics, and they work through their lists by clicking on the call button as normal. But, if a patient is due for a virtual consultation, rather than calling a patient from the waiting room, clicking the video icon opens the software and initiates a virtual consult.
Patients that ‘arrive’ early, by opening the invitation on their phone, are put into a virtual waiting room until the clinician is ready to start the consultation.

Other benefits

As well as being far more cost-effective than cloud-based alternatives, the solution is secure, can fully integrate with existing systems and workflows, and is scalable across entire healthcare economies, whether that is acute, community or other.

The service has now been running in the Gestational Diabetes department in the Western Health and Social Care Trust for over a year. Commenting on the success of the solution in answering patients’ needs, Dr Athinyaa Thiraviaraj said,

“Working in partnership with women who attend our service, we have been able to develop, test, and standardise video-consultations. This has helped our service to continue with minimal interruptions through both the first and second surge of the pandemic. This innovative model of care has made it possible for us to continue our commitment to support expectant mothers at a time of anxiety and concern.”

Commenting on the special role that video calls have made in maintaining a high level of patient care Dr Thiraviaraj added,

“I can’t see our service defaulting to phone clinics. It’s just not the same when you are engaging in complex conversations like a health care consultation.”

To buy from this framework visit NHS Commercial Solutions

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HSL’s Telehealth system is already in place throughout hospitals and GP surgeries in the UK and Ireland and enables clinicians and consultants to carry out virtual, video consultations and diagnosis of patients.

HSL’s journey to establishing its Telehealth solution for stroke care began in June 2019 when HSL CEO Dominic Walsh introduced his idea to several of Northern Ireland’s leading consultants responsible for the diagnosis and care of patients presenting at the region’s A&E Departments with suspected stroke. Following the introduction of Telehealth for stroke care, clinical trials were agreed, and work began to convert a concept into a medical grade working and supportable solution which delivers more immediate care for stroke patients in Northern Ireland.

After receiving positive feedback from leading consultants across the board, the first integrations of the Telehealth solution are now in place and embedded within the infrastructure that runs all of the conferencing and collaboration technology for the Health Service in Northern Ireland. Commenting on this revolution in stroke care, HSL CEO Dominic Walsh said,

“We are extremely pleased that Telehealth for stroke care has been accepted by consultants across Northern Ireland. We believe that our Telehealth platform will transform the diagnosis of this condition as it will enable stroke consultants to support their clinical colleagues as soon as a patient presents at A&E, giving them the facilities they need to undertake a risk-free diagnosis of the extent and nature of the stroke and to provide timely, lifesaving interventions. We are privileged to be in a position to undertake such innovative and beneficial work for the magnificent people in our NHS.”

Commenting on this exciting step in stroke care, consultant stroke physicians Dr Enda Kerr and Dr Michael McCormick said,

“We are impressed by the simplicity and elegance of the solution that was presented to us by HSL. Being able to intervene, support our colleagues and conduct remote consultations with the patient from a tablet or phone has changed how we work and speeds up diagnosis and time critical treatments. Time is of the essence when treating someone who has had a stroke, so literally every minute counts. The Telehealth platform has the potential to make a significant contribution to improved patient outcomes after stroke, especially during late evening and overnight periods”.

Although remote diagnosis of patients presenting at a hospital with possible stroke symptoms has been available for several years, HSL’s Telehealth solution is different as it has the intelligence to enable the remote consultants to intervene from a tablet, smartphone or laptop. Previous virtual healthcare solutions ran on external systems, had no integration and relied on dedicated devices and network services to work. Discussing the Telehealth platform Sam McMaster, Director of Telehealth for HSL said,

“Our Telehealth platform presents to the consultant through a simple to use app that includes the features and facilities they need to undertake the initial diagnosis of the patient. This assures security, a simple and easy to use workflow, and the ability to include the results in the electronic care record for the patient.”

Innovation is one of HSL’s core values and ensuring customer and patient care is the company’s main priority. This technological solution provided by HSL will contribute to a better outcome for many patients affected by the instant repercussions of stroke as it becomes an integral part of the service delivered across all the Health & Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland.

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The team at the Western Health and Social Care Trust’s Gestational Diabetes Pathway at Altnagelvin Area Hospital in Derry / Londonderry have been recognised for partnership working with service users and innovation in quality improvement. They redesigned their diabetes antenatal service by enabling an exceptional level of telehealth care in an ever-changing health and social care environment by roll-out of simplified video communications implemented in partnership with Northern Ireland-based specialist distributor of bespoke healthcare IT solutions to health establishments, Hospital Services Limited (HSL). This has become especially relevant due to challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Named as recipients of a prestigious British Medical Journal Award in the category of Innovation in Quality Improvement, the team was commended for their display of adaptability and innovative thinking to preserve a high level of patient care at a worry-filled time for expectant mothers. Begun in January 2019, the partnership between HSL and the Western Trust has seen consultants incorporate a state-of-the-art telehealth (video appointment) solution by Pexip into their daily patient care, helping to maintain and improve patient contact despite limited access due to Covid-19.

Led internally by Dr Athinyaa Thiraviaraj, Consultant Physician in Diabetes & Endocrinology, the clinicians at the Western Trust have carried out over 1000 consultations (as of Nov 2020) via the integrated interface in order to better meet patient needs and gain a more holistic view of the patient’s overall condition whilst also keeping patient communications open during a period of time which has seen reduced opportunity for in-person appointments during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Commenting on the success of the telehealth solution for answering patients’ needs, Dr Athinyaa Thiraviaraj said,

“Working in partnership with women who attend our service, we have been able to develop, test, and standardise video-consultations. This has helped our service to continue with minimal interruptions through both the first and second surge of the pandemic. This innovative model of care has made it possible for us to continue our commitment to support expectant mothers at a time of anxiety and concern.”

Commenting on the special role that video calls have made in maintaining a high level of patient care Dr Thiraviaraj added,

“I can’t see our service defaulting to phone clinics. It’s just not the same when you are engaging in complex conversations like a health care consultation. Answering the need for the Trust team to closely interact with their patients for accurate diagnostics and treatment, HSL integrated their simplified video communications technologies, or HSL Telehealth, into the Trust’s existing patient administration systems (PAS) and electronic patient records (EPR), ensuring the new video call capabilities became part of the existing healthcare workflow.

Following on Sam McMaster, Director of Telehealth at Hospital Services Limited commented that;

“It is an imperative that whichever technology is adopted by a healthcare team, it must integrate seamlessly with existing systems and processes in order to become highly effective, intuitively used by care providers, if the solution is to gain widespread acceptance and be scalable across the whole spectrum of patients. It is for this reason that we made it our priority to ensure our Telehealth service by Pexip was embedded into existing procedures and processes to enable clinicians to utilise this technology without adding to their already large workload. No other service offers this level of integration, and as a result it will increase capacity in the NHS without placing extra stress on its resources. Costs are reduced and clinicians’ time better utilised while outpatients avoid the need to travel.”

The project has seen a proportionally significant impact on the environment, saving about 15,811 miles of travel for 654 appointments. This equates to 4.37 tonnes of Co2.

The service implemented by HSL at the Western Trust uses tried and tested technology. With the tap of a screen, clinicians can organise a remote and secure outpatient consultation requiring only a webcam, while patients access the sessions via a smartphone, tablet, laptop or PC.

The call is generated by software in HSL’s network which offers a complete, secure communications platform for health establishments, providing virtual meeting rooms, gateway services, and web applications. Full, constant monitoring and support is guaranteed and the HSL solution is compliant with the network security standards adopted by the NHS and the UK government. On completion of the consultation, the clinician closes the video window, completes an associated outcome form, or writes up the notes in the relevant EPR before moving to the next patient.

In addition to providing easier access for patients and care providers, the HSL Telehealth offering is also working to empower patients and physicians. With many patients more comfortable speaking with a doctor by phone or video call rather than in-person, the solution is removing barriers to conversations regarding patient care and reducing costs and time required to travel to in-person clinics at regional hospitals. The Telehealth solution also avoids requiring patients to download new apps or programmes to communicate, eliminating concerns regarding usability and security for patients, and encouraging wider collaboration among healthcare professionals.

“PEXIP are incredibly proud to be part of this ground-breaking and innovative project to improve patient care during the COVID-19 pandemic,”

added Leighton Hughes, Regional Director UK & Ireland, Pexip.

“The Pexip platform provides high-quality, scalable and secure video conferencing accessible by patients and users on any device, regardless of technology. HSL, a Pexip Gold Partner have used the 3rd party integration on our platform to create an end-to-end solution that integrates video seamlessly into the Western Health and Social Care Trust’s IT systems, workflows and processes. This industry leading telehealth solution will enable caregivers to really see and hear each patient, no matter their location, leading to greater understanding of the treatment needed, ultimately, enabling better healthcare outcomes. In these challenging times, this project will deliver critically important care to patients.”

Reflecting on the seamless integration of HSL’s Telehealth solution and the Western Health and Social Care Trust’s Gestational Diabetes Pathway Sam McMaster added,

“Dr Thiraviaraj is one of the most progressive and innovative clinicians I have worked with in all my time working with the NHS. We are delighted for the accolade she and her team have received which reinforces the outstanding level of patient care, innovation, and adaptability shown by Athinyaa and her team.”

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