Patients can now be X-rayed more quickly and safely thanks to a newly-renovated digital radiology room at the Princess Royal Hospital in Kent.
The £342,000 refurbishment includes a state-of-the-art X-ray and a dental imaging machine.
Kate Custis, lead superintendent radiographer, said: “This newly-refurbished room sees about 60 patients each day for a range of examinations, with referrals from A&E, GP surgeries, outpatients, and the wards.
“To replace the old equipment with new technology has been vital and will significantly improve the patient experience.
“The new equipment is much easier to use and can be easily moved around to suit the needs of each patient. The machine rapidly produces high-resolution images with associated lower radiation doses, which is safer for patients and allows radiology staff to make accurate diagnoses.
“The efficiency of the new equipment also means reduced waiting times for X-ray as everyone is imaged more quickly.”
The cost of the refurbishment includes £260,000 raised by the hospital’s League of Friends charity.
Mercedes Madden, chairman of the League of Friends, said: “A lot of thought and effort from the department has gone into designing a very-attractive space that is now more modern and spacious and allows patients to flow through the department more easily.”
The overall refurbishment of the X-ray room was funded and managed by University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust.
The trust’s senior capital development manager, Chris Hampsheir, said: “This is part of a larger capital improvement programme at Princess Royal Hospital. We are already building a new urology investigation unit and have plans to start work on a new endoscopy unit during this financial year. Both these projects will make a real difference to patient experience.”