Golden Jubilee is first NHS hospital in Scotland to receive European accreditation for heart imaging  

The Golden Jubilee University National Hospital has become the first NHS hospital in Scotland to receive accreditation by the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACI). 

The EACI accreditation for Cardiac MRI and Congenital MRI laboratories is recognised internationally as a measure of excellence used to underpin the standards for competency in the field of cardiovascular magnetic resonance across Europe and beyond. 

Cardiac MRI and Congenital MRI are vital diagnostic procedures, needed by patients across NHS Scotland every year to help identify and treat a range of heart conditions, including congenital heart disease, coronary heart disease, heart valve disease, cardiac tumours and inherited heart conditions. 

Consultant Cardiologist, Chris Rush, said: “This accreditation means patients can be confident they’re receiving world class imaging services. 

“For NHS Golden Jubilee, this recognition helps us stay at the forefront of medical research and establish ourselves as a centre for excellence in cardiac and congenital MRI. 

“This is great news for Scottish patients as it also helps us attract the top talent in this field.” 

As well as the recognition on the international stage from EACI - a registered branch of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) - the service will also gain priority for grants and hosting fellowships from the European Society of Cardiology.  

Preference for hosting and contributing towards educational events and meetings and collaborative research projects across Europe would also bring positive benefits, including international recognition as a world-class cardiac imaging centre, attracting top talent and fostering international collaboration. Patients will have confidence in high-quality care that meets international standards and enhances the hospital's prestige and visibility as a leader in cardiac imaging. 

The service was established in 2010 and has since grown to include highly trained radiographers, cardiologists and radiologists, benefitting patients from across Scotland who attend the national hospital to reduce regional waiting times. 

Medical Director, Mark McGregor, said “Our cardiac MRI department has achieved a prestigious international accreditation that positions the Golden Jubilee as a centre of excellence.  

“We are now the only unit in Scotland with both cardiac and congenital cardiac MRI accreditations, which means our patients receive cutting-edge diagnostic imaging that meets the highest standards set by the European Society of Cardiology.”