In modern healthcare, science and technology is vital to improving patient care and is changing lives for the better. At Benenden Hospital, we have many examples of this being put into practice, read our guide to discover more.
Robotic-assisted surgery
ROSA Knee System
Meet ROSA, a robotic surgical assistant, developed by Zimmer Biomet for your knee replacement. We’re the first hospital in Kent to use this particular system and join only a handful of hospitals nationwide employing the technology.
The ROSA Knee System does not replace our orthopaedic surgeons, instead its precision robotic arm helps to increase the success of your knee replacement surgery (compared to a traditional knee replacement) by assisting your Surgeon in the placement of your new implant.
Aquablation®
We’re the first private hospital in Kent to offer the robotic-assisted Aquablation® surgery system – an innovative treatment for your enlarged prostate, also known as Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH).
This treatment uses high-velocity AQUABEAM® water jets to remove excess prostate tissue, relieving the pressure on the urethra and improving urine flow. Aquablation® is performed under general anaesthesia and requires no incisions or cuts.
Operating theatres
All three of our theatres are laser enabled. We currently use lasers for patients undergoing laser vein surgery for varicose veins and to treat urological conditions.
Two of our theatres are also equipped with a system called laminar flow which produces a continuous stream of bacteria-free air into the room. All our hip and knee replacement procedures take place in these ultra-clean theatres. This laminar flow technology helps to reduce the risk of infection.
Read more about our modern theatres and the skilled staff who work in them.
Diagnostic Imaging Department
With technology in the form of our MRI and CT scanner, X-ray machine and Ultrasound room, we perform over 18,000 imaging examinations per year - which can be accessed hospital-wide within seconds.
We now offer a liver scanning ultrasound service so you can get fast access to a liver diagnosis as early as the same day. Developed by Siemens Healthineers, this liver scanner is the first of its kind in the South East. Learn more about who can benefit from this technology here.
Our hospital is also kitted out with the latest technology in our Ambulatory Care Unit (ACU) and an on-site sterile services unit. You can access more information about our medical facilities.
Why are scientists are so important in healthcare?
Healthcare scientists help prevent, diagnose and treat illness using their knowledge of science and their technical skills. They also work in more than 50 specialist fields which can be classified into four groups: laboratory sciences, physiological sciences, medical physics and clinical engineering and bioinformatics.
Did you know there are over 50,000 healthcare scientists who work for the NHS and public health services? They provide essential scientific services and they contribute to 80% of all patient diagnoses.
Clinical Health - Science at Benenden Hospital
At Benenden Hospital we have exciting opportunities for clinical roles related to areas of health science such as:
Urodynamic science
We carry out Urodynamic tests on patients as part of our Continence Care Specialist Nurse service. Urodynamic science is the investigation of lower urinary tract symptoms. It encompasses clinical tests such as cystometry, a pressure flow study to measure how well the bladder functions, and Uroflowmetry measures the rate of urine flow.
Jan Chaseley, Clinical Nurse Specialist, says: “The ultimate goal of Urodynamics is to aid in the correct diagnosis of lower urinary tract dysfunction, ensuring the patient receives the most effective treatment to improve their symptoms.”
Audiology
Audiology is the science of hearing, balance, and related disorders. Mrs Jenny Rose, our hospital’s Audiologist says: “Audiologists are Allied Healthcare providers that cover Hearing aids and diagnostic hearing tests. At Benenden Hospital we provide diagnostic tests to support our ear nose and throat (ENT) Consultants.
“This normally entails checking the patients' ears for wax or infections which could provide false results. This is followed by air and bone conduction hearing tests to establish whether there is a conductive or sensorineural hearing loss.
“If conductive is shown then, we perform tympanometry, which collects readings from the eardrum over a small pressure range. This enables us to establish whether it is possibly Eustachian tube dysfunction, fluid behind the eardrum or otosclerosis.
“These tests support the consultant’s examination and help to provide a confident diagnosis of the patient's problem. If they have surgery on their ears, they are then followed up with another hearing test at the time of their post op consultation.”
Careers at Benenden Hospital
We offer over 250 self-pay treatments and services at our private hospital. These clinical services all require a variety of experienced clinical staff, including roles relating to health science. You could be a scientist who supports healthcare.
If you’re looking for a new challenge, visit our careers page.
Published on 01 March 2024