A HOSPITAL’S radiology department is to undergo a major refurbishment after local fundraisers donated £170,000 to replace outdated equipment.

The unit at the Friary Hospital in Richmond will temporarily close this month in order to replace its ageing x-ray equipment, following the substantial donation from The Friends of Richmond Friary Community Hospital.

During the refit, a new digital radiography system will be installed in its place.

It means the department will be closed for approximately seven weeks from Tuesday, April 18. Patients who need an X-ray during this time will be sent to the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton until the unit reopens.

Radiology manager Fiona Harker said: “This is an incredibly generous donation from the friends and will provide us with modern equipment to further enhance our services closer to the local population we serve, particularly the frail and elderly who are often referred to us by local GPs or our own outpatient clinics in the hospital.

“While thousands of people have benefitted from our existing X-ray equipment, the facilities we have are now difficult and often expensive to maintain, and although we do appreciate this temporary closure may cause some inconvenience for patients, the end result will be worth it.

“On behalf of the team – and our wider organisation – I’d like to say a huge thank you to the charity and local community who have, over the years, tirelessly supported the hospital, its staff and patients.”

The radiology department at the Friary Hospital provides a ‘plain film’ X-ray service with around 3,250 examinations carried out each year.

During the closure, patients can attend the Friarage Hospital’s radiology department without an appointment between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Margaret Clayson, chairman of The Friends of Richmond Friary Community Hospital, added: “The friends put in the first piece of equipment at the Friary and we’re pleased to support the radiology team with this new modern equipment.

“This is such a useful and important service for the people of Richmond and the surrounding area as it provides quick and easy access for patients and saves them having to travel further for an X-ray and that’s our objective – to benefit patients.”