The interventional radiology service at the Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust has become one of just 27 sites from the 155 acute trusts in the UK to be awarded exemplar status by the British Society for Interventional Radiology.

This "gold standard" stamp of approval comes after a detailed assessment process where specialists had to provide evidence of the high quality care and outcomes offered to patients undergoing a range of highly specialist and often complex procedures.

“We are very proud of the service we provide,” said consultant interventional radiologist, Dr Alex Durran, who led the assessment process. “We’re very lucky in Cornwall to be able to provide 24/7 access to interventional radiology, something that’s not replicated in many parts of the country due to the shortage of specialists in the field. We’re an innovative team, continually looking to expand the range of procedures we carry out and are fortunate to have some of the most advanced technology at our finger tips.”

Interventional radiology is a rapidly developing field of medicine where x-ray, CT and ultrasound technology is used to perform intricate image guided, minimally invasive surgical procedures such as those to repair and unblock major blood vessels within the body.

“Increasingly interventional radiology techniques are being used to replace traditional surgical techniques for the treatment and palliation of cancers, major bleeds caused by trauma injuries or blockages within organs,” said fellow consultant interventional radiologist, Dr Richard Morse. “We work closely and collaboratively with colleagues across the hospital carrying out planned and emergency treatments for the patients referred to us.”