The filmless hospital: 3 years experience at Hammersmith hospital London

A hospital-wide PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) is a comp uterised electronic system which entirely replaces conventional x-ray film by acquiring, archiving transmitting and displaying digital images on a net work of workstations throughout the hospital Such a system has been operati ng,without film for 3 years now at Hammersmith Hospital London. PACS has a number of advantages over conventional films. These include time savings, r eliability of the system, space savings, economies in consumables and perso nnel, reduced patient irradication, efficiency of data management, accessib ility of images and teaching benefits The disadvantages of PACS are. its co st, the need for specialised personnel for its installation and maintenance , training of users, the possibility of breakdown, and data security issues . PACS has altered the work patterns of all its users, including non-radiol ogists and radiographers. PACS is a step on the way to achieving the future objectives of teleradiology, ann the complete electronic patient record.