Medical Thermal Imaging

A Message from Lord Pickles and Lord Blunkett, followed by Medical Thermal Imaging's best practice article

The ability to listen and learn from one another has always been vital in parliament, in business and in most aspects of daily life. But at this particular moment in time, as national and global events continue to reiterate, it is uncommonly crucial that we forge new channels of communication and reinforce existing ones. The following article from Medical Thermal Imaging is an attempt to do just that. We would welcome your thoughts on this or any other Parliamentary Review article.

Blunkett signature Rt Hon The Lord David Blunkett
Pickles signature Rt Hon The Lord Eric Pickles

www.medscans.co.uk

BEST PRACTICE SPONSOR 2020
THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW
Highlighting best practice
32 | FORENSIC EQUITY
with scientists having been made
redundant time and time again.
Yet the drive for statutory powers,
and the proposed use of such powers,
to impose effective tariffs on the
provision of forensic science services is
likely to make previously commercially
viable entities providing important
and critical expertise to the CJS no
longerviable.
While we, as a major forensic science
provider, are supportive of the
sentiment of accreditation, in the
form currently outlined, the further
“downstream” regulations proposed
place an unduly heavy burden on the
private providers that second check
the evidence, without this same heavy
hand coming down on the police in-
house laboratories.
The very real danger is that we will
be left with the police instructing the
police, paid for by the police. All of
the inherent bias intrinsic to such a
system, without any form of effective
independent review of the evidence
and opinion that they choose to
present. The cost of enforcing further
regulation on the PFSPs would likely
result in most, if not all, entities no
longer being commercially viable.
Investing in quality
Despite spending in forensic science
having reduced significantly since
2010, Forensic Equity has continued to
invest in our employees to guarantee
the provision of the highest-quality
science, which has resulted in
businessgrowth.
Forensic Equity works with a wide
range of criminal solicitors from both
the prosecution and defence. With
premises in Greater Manchester,
Cambridge, London and Berkshire, we
are always creating new and exciting
professional relationships across the UK.
Those solicitors with whom we work
value our candid and clear approach
to the presentation of complex issues
and, above all, the unrivalled level
of exceptional science. With a client
retention rate of 95 per cent, we prove
our value from case tocase.
As a result of our investment in quality
from 2017 to 2018, Forensic Equity
grew by 30 per cent and in 2018/19 by
54 per cent.
The future for forensic equity
It is our fundamental belief that
maintaining a CJS that is not
just superficially fair but is also
fundamentally sound is the bedrock of
the UK’s legal system. This unparalleled
framework is undoubtedly one of the
reasons why the UK experiences such
large volumes of inward investment on
which our economy flourishes.
This is why government policy must
be to invest in quality science. It is our
intention to continue not only to invest
in our people but also to lead research
and development. It is only through
doing this that we can properly and
effectively ensure our system does not
stagnate but continues to progress
as a world leader in justice supported
byscience.
Those
solicitors with
whom we
work value
our candid
and clear
approach to
the
presentation
of complex
issues and,
above all, the
unrivalled level
of exceptional
science
“
“
Providing scientific
services in the most
complex of cases
33MEDICAL THERMAL IMAGING |
HEALTH & SOCIAL WORK
Directors Phil and Rosa Hughes
receiving an award for their film,
The Promise
Left breast cancer
In 2008, Phil and Rosa Hughes established the first
thermography clinic in Liverpool. Twelve years on, Phil says
they have built up working relations with 40 clinics across the
country, including three mobile units. Today, thermography is
used to recognise variations in thermal emissions from the body,
which can assist in recognising the early stages of developing
pathology. Phil tells
The Parliamentary Review
about the benefits
of non-invasive techniques, the importance of early screening and
how thermography as an adjunctive test can be used to improve
diagnostic representation.
Our introduction to medical digital infrared thermal imaging happened in 2006
when my wife, Rosa, discovered a lump in her left breast. The discovery created
a time of stress, apprehension and fear. We knew it was important to determine
whether the lump was benign or malignant. We also made a firm decision that,
whatever the outcome, we were not going to go to war with the lump, nor were
we going to expose Rosa to anything that would increase the risk of cancer.
A friend who was aware of our dilemma asked if we had considered thermography.
We hadn’t heard of thermography, but what she told us about the procedure
created a curiosity that warranted research into the subject. We were amazed to
find an abundance of quality research in PubMed, displaying the benefits of DITI.
The procedure fit all of Rosa’s requirements, and we proceeded to look for a clinic
offering the service. At the time, there were very few practices, but we eventually
found a clinic in Harley Street that suited our needs, and we made arrangements
for Rosa to be imaged. When the images were interpreted, they showed Rosa was
at extremely high risk for malignancy. The upside, however, was that we were
FACTS ABOUT
MEDICAL THERMAL IMAGING
»Directors: Phil and Rosa
Hughes
»Established in 2008
»Based in Liverpool
»Services: Digital infrared
thermal imaging
»No. of employees: 11
»www.medscans.co.uk
Medical Thermal
Imaging
THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW
Highlighting best practice
THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW
Highlighting best practice
34 | MEDICAL THERMAL IMAGING
able to monitor Rosa’s condition and
treatments without increasing risk. As
such, Rosa is alive today and very well.
Opening the first thermography
clinic in Liverpool
We were so impressed with the studies
and technology that in 2008 we
trained in thermography, bought our
first medical infrared imaging camera
and opened the first thermography
clinic in Liverpool. Over the last 12
years, we have built up relationships
with over 40 clinics nationwide. We
updated our cameras in 2017 and
now have three mobile units and a
static workstation at our head office
nearLiverpool.
We have also undergone advanced
training in the US, and have passed
additional exams through the
International Academy of Clinical
Thermography. The continued
advancements in modern-day
sophisticated imaging cameras,
computers and software technology
provide our digital infrared thermal-
imaging systems with the capability to
look at the human body in ways never
before possible.
Our state of-the-art systems have the
ability to recognise minute variations
in thermal emissions from the body
and convert the findings into extremely
high resolution images. The images
can then undergo digital manipulation,
which helps our doctors to interpret
the images, enabling them to provide
an accurate risk assessment, and offers
an aid to early diagnosis.
This activity makes it possible to detect
the early stages of tumour growth
years before it can be palpated or
established by anatomical tests.
Detection of abnormalities at this
early stage presents the possibility of
less aggressive interventions that can
prevent tumour growth.
This safe test of physiology provides
us with an incredible opportunity to
positively change the course of breast
cancer. There are many benefits of
DITI, including that it is not invasive
in any form, it is not limited by age or
breast density, there is no exposure to
the dangers of ionising radiation and
no damaging or painful compression
of the breast is required. This simple,
safe test provides the welcome
opportunity to include the millions
of younger women who are not
automatically included in the existing
routine screening programme.
It is these younger women, who
are shown to be at an elevated risk
of developing aggressive breast
cancers, who can now have a suitable
imagingtest.
We bought our first
medical infrared imaging
camera and opened our
first clinic in Liverpool in
2008
D
ITI is a valuable
adjunct to
mammography
and ultrasound,
especially in
women with
dense breast
parenchyma
l
The American Journal
of Surgery, 2008
“
“
BEST PRACTICE SPONSOR 2020
THE PARLIAMENTARY REVIEW
Highlighting best practice
34 | MEDICAL THERMAL IMAGING
able to monitor Rosa’s condition and
treatments without increasing risk. As
such, Rosa is alive today and very well.
Opening the first thermography
clinic in Liverpool
We were so impressed with the studies
and technology that in 2008 we
trained in thermography, bought our
first medical infrared imaging camera
and opened the first thermography
clinic in Liverpool. Over the last 12
years, we have built up relationships
with over 40 clinics nationwide. We
updated our cameras in 2017 and
now have three mobile units and a
static workstation at our head office
nearLiverpool.
We have also undergone advanced
training in the US, and have passed
additional exams through the
International Academy of Clinical
Thermography. The continued
advancements in modern-day
sophisticated imaging cameras,
computers and software technology
provide our digital infrared thermal-
imaging systems with the capability to
look at the human body in ways never
before possible.
Our state of-the-art systems have the
ability to recognise minute variations
in thermal emissions from the body
and convert the findings into extremely
high resolution images. The images
can then undergo digital manipulation,
which helps our doctors to interpret
the images, enabling them to provide
an accurate risk assessment, and offers
an aid to early diagnosis.
This activity makes it possible to detect
the early stages of tumour growth
years before it can be palpated or
established by anatomical tests.
Detection of abnormalities at this
early stage presents the possibility of
less aggressive interventions that can
prevent tumour growth.
This safe test of physiology provides
us with an incredible opportunity to
positively change the course of breast
cancer. There are many benefits of
DITI, including that it is not invasive
in any form, it is not limited by age or
breast density, there is no exposure to
the dangers of ionising radiation and
no damaging or painful compression
of the breast is required. This simple,
safe test provides the welcome
opportunity to include the millions
of younger women who are not
automatically included in the existing
routine screening programme.
It is these younger women, who
are shown to be at an elevated risk
of developing aggressive breast
cancers, who can now have a suitable
imagingtest.
We bought our first
medical infrared imaging
camera and opened our
first clinic in Liverpool in
2008
D
ITI is a valuable
adjunct to
mammography
and ultrasound,
especially in
women with
dense breast
parenchyma
l
The American Journal
of Surgery, 2008
“
“
35MEDICAL THERMAL IMAGING |
HEALTH & SOCIAL WORK
A misunderstood technology
Although there is a growing demand
for our services, we are not even
scratching the surface of what
thermography is capable of, with one
of the key challenges being that it is
a misunderstood technology. There
could, no doubt, be more clinics, with
the 40 clinics that we do work with
having materialised through word of
mouth. Thermography is, for some
reason, looked upon as a threat or
challenge to mammography. This
should not be the case, however, as
they are two very different tests. One
is a test of anatomy, while the other is
a test of physiology; each test provides
totally different information which
when used together can provide and
aid accurate diagnosis.
Women in their early 30s have one
of the highest rates of breast cancer.
Despite this, existing screening
procedures do not typically start until
age 50.
By the time some women have been
tested, they may already be between
six and ten years late. If someone
discovers a lesion or a tumour at 35,
it has probably been developing since
their twenties.
We are not suggesting that
thermography is a replacement for
mammograms but rather an adjunctive
service, that provides the opportunity
to millions of younger women to be
safely imaged.
Misinformation is an obvious challenge
but we have shown that the general
public are becoming more aware of
how to source medical evidence that
enables them to make an informed
decision on medical treatments
andprocedures.
In addition to the advancements in
camera and software technology
we are also looking to AI to improve
diagnostic representation.
Our future and the future of
thermography
Some women are either better suited
to thermography or are seeking
another option to mammograms.
Demand for thermography is growing,
and we are currently making visits
across the country, visiting some
clinicsmonthly.
Thermography is recognised as an
adjunct to mammography and also
offers a unique service for those
members of the public who are not
suited to mammography: women
who have had breasts amputated,
men, younger women with dense
breast tissue and those who
simply want to avoid exposure to
ionisingradiation.
Our message is simple, we are
providing a safe service suitable
for all ages that can offer earlier
detection of breast abnormalities
and monitor pathology without
increasing risk.
As a future risk
indicator for
breast cancer a
persistent
abnormal
thermograph
carries a
22-times higher
risk and is ten
times more
significant than
a first order
family history of
disease
Elliot, Head, 2002
“
“
Inflammatory breast
cancer missed by
mammography

www.medscans.co.uk

This article was sponsored by Medical Thermal Imaging. The Parliamentary Review is wholly funded by the representatives who write for it. The publication in which this article originally appeared contained the following foreword from Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss.

Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss's Foreword For The Parliamentary Review

By Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss

Even by the standards of the day –this has been one of the most exciting and unpredictable years in British politics.

The leadership election we’ve just seen marks a huge moment in our country’s history. This government is taking a decisive new direction, embracing the opportunities of Brexit and preparing our country to flourish outside the EU.

As international trade secretary, I’ll be driving forward work on the free trade agreements that are going to be a priority for the government. Free trade isn’t just an abstract concept bandied around by technocrats. It is crucial for a strong economy and for the ability of families to make ends meet. Free trade benefits people in every part of our country, as British firms export to new markets and people doing the weekly shop have access to a wider choice of goods at lower prices.

The essence of free trade is in the title: freedom. It’s about giving people the power to exchange their goods without heavy government taxation or interference. Commerce and free exchange are the engine room of prosperity and social mobility. I’m determined to tackle the forces who want to hold that back.

One of my priorities is agreeing an exciting new free trade deal with the US, building on the great relationship between our two countries and the Prime Minister and US President. But I’ll also be talking to other partners including New Zealand, Australia and fast-growing Asian markets.

And with the EU too, we want a friendly and constructive relationship, as constitutional equals, and as friends and partners in facing the challenges that lie ahead – a relationship based on a deep free trade agreement. Our country produces some of the world’s most successful exports, and the opportunity to bring these to the rest of the world should make us all excited about the future. It is this excitement, optimism and ambition which I believe will come to define this government.

For too long now, we have been told Britain isn’t big or important enough to survive outside the EU – that we have to accept a deal that reflects our reduced circumstances. I say that’s rubbish. With the right policies in place, we can be the most competitive, free-thinking, prosperous nation on Earth exporting to the world and leading in new developments like AI. To do that, we’ll give the brilliant next generation of entrepreneurs the tools they need to succeed. Since 2015, there has been a staggering 85 per cent rise in the number of businesses set up by 18 to 24 year olds – twice the level set up by the same age group in France and Germany. We’ll help them flourish by championing enterprise, cutting taxes and making regulation flexible and responsive to their needs.

As we do that, we’ll level up and unite all parts of the UK with great transport links, fibre broadband in every home and proper school funding, so everyone shares in our country’s success.

2019 has been the year of brewing economic and political revolution. 2020 will be the year when a revitalised Conservative government turbo charges the economy, boosts prospects for people across the country, and catapults Britain back to the forefront of the world stage.



Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss
Secretary of State for International Development