PATIENTS in the North-East are to benefit from two new x-ray units worth more than half-a-million pounds.
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Trust will have two new fluoroscopy x-ray units by the end of the month, at a cost of £580,000. One will be based in the x-ray department at the University Hospital of Hartlepool and the other at the University Hospital of North Tees, in Stockton.
At Hartlepool, the unit will replace existing equipment and will be used to look at live x-ray images on a TV screen of procedures such as examining the stomach.
The machine produces images in digital form, which will improve diagnosis. It also means that more patients will be seen in each session as the new equipment is faster.
At North Tees, the unit will be used to identify problems with blockages in blood circulation and will help to diagnose exactly where these are. Again, the picture will be in digital format.
Mike Helm, radiology services manager at the health trust, said yesterday: "I am absolutely delighted the trust will soon have theses two new advanced machines.
"It means that we remain at the forefront of diagnostic technology, which is highly motivating for our staff and a major benefit to our patients."
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