A new, state-of-the-art point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) machine is now in daily use a Leicester Royal Infirmary’s (LRI) Acute Medical Unit (AMU)-  thanks to your support.

The AMU is where some of the hospital’s most acutely unwell patients are treated. Previously, just one scanner was shared between specialist medical wards, creating unhelpful delays and limiting access. Now, with a dedicated machine based on the AMU, clinical teams can deliver faster, safer, and more effective care.

The equipment is already making a significant impact. Used multiple times a day, it allows our doctors to carry out real-time bedside imaging to make urgent decisions and begin treatment immediately. This can be vital in time-critical situations, such as diagnosing infections, locating
internal free fluid, or assessing heart and lung function in patients with breathing difficulties.

“This scanner has helped to streamline the way we care for our patients,” said Dr Salam Al-Alousi, Consultant in Acute Medicine. “It gives us the ability to make an accurate diagnosis right at the bedside – even during the initial assessment – so we can start the right treatment straight away. It’s faster, and often much kinder for our patients.”

The new machine is also enhancing care during invasive procedures. “When we’re placing cannulas or performing procedures like lumbar punctures, the ultrasound machine helps us guide the needle in real time,” said Dr Al-Alousi. “That means fewer attempts, less discomfort for the patient, and a better overall experience.”

Unlike traditional scans, which often require patients to be moved or referred to other departments, this top-of-the-range device brings advanced diagnostics directly to the patient’s bedside. In some cases, it has replaced the need for formal X-rays, offering far greater clarity and accuracy.

The new machine is not only transforming care for our patients but also helping to train the next generation of acute medicine consultants. As part of a region-wide programme in POCUS, our hospitals are playing a leading role in teaching doctors how to use this tool. This means Leicester’s Hospitals are at the forefront of improving patient outcomes – both here in Leicester and across the East Midlands.

This transformative piece of equipment is already delivering round the clock care, improving diagnosis, speeding up treatment, and reducing pressure on other hospital services.

Thanks to the incredible generosity of people like you, staff at Leicester Royal Infirmary now have a top-of-the-range tool to deliver the very best care for some of the hospital’s most poorly patients.