Patients attending scans at Basildon Hospital will benefit from a £4 million revamp carried out by Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust.
The imaging department has received new CT scanners and two MRI machines, meaning 60 patients per day will now have their scans completed more accurately and quickly.
Also included in the revamp is a dedicated patient waiting area, changing facilities and a three-bed bay. The trust said this will make it, “a nicer place for patients to visit”.
'More welcoming experience'
Brian Green, general manager for radiology at the trust, said: “Our hugely improved facilities make it a much more welcoming experience for patients. With new CT scanners and MRI machines and improved patient waiting areas, our imaging services have been transformed.
“Advances in digital technology mean imaging can be completed faster than on older machines, allowing us to scan more patients each day, keep up with increasing demand and reduce overall waiting times.
“This also helps increase the number of inpatient and emergency care patients we can see, so more patients can be imaged on the same day and return home faster.”
'Frees up radiographers'
The trust worked with a number of partners to build the facility, including healthcare technology firm Philips, as part of its managed service agreement with the trust. The company helped to assess the location for the new unit, identify contractors and provided initial designs for the layout and building.
Mr Green added: “Our new courtyard facility will help us to offer a better and faster service to our patients. Within the building there is a two-bed recovery space and separate room for staff to prepare patients ahead of their scan. This frees up our radiographers to continue scanning while healthcare assistants provide cannulas to patients in more comfort and privacy.”
Earlier this year (13 May), Southend Hospital in Essex also received a £1 million pound investment in a fluoroscopy machine, which provides more accurate scans and clearer images than older equipment and also delivers a lower radiation dose to those getting treatment.
(Image: radiography team at Basildon Hospital, via Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust)