A HOSPITAL service that has cut waiting times should be further improved with a new piece of equipment.

Approval was given yesterday for Bishop Auckland General Hospital to purchase a £22,000 sigmoidoscope, used to investigate patients with rectal bleeding.

A nurse-led endoscopy clinic was introduced at the hospital and at Darlington Memorial Hospital in June, and has reduced waiting times by allowing patients to see a colorectal nurse rather than waiting for a consultant appointment.

The new equipment means both hospitals will have a sigmoidoscope, instead of colorectal nurse specialist Clare Westwood having to transport the machine between sites.

She said: "The additional scope will make my job much easier, having to carry the equipment with me is very inconvenient and there is also the risk of causing damage to it."