New x-ray upgrade reduces waiting times at Newquay Community Hospital
Staff at Newquay Community Hospital have revealed how x-ray waiting times at Newquay Community Hospital are being reduced thanks to a new upgrade.
Work was recently completed on the project and means more patients can now be seen every day. The upgrade includes new digital radiography equipment. This uses x-ray–sensitive plates to directly capture data during examinations. The data is then sent to a computer system without the need for a cassette. This speeds up the process and produces higher quality images.
The diagnostic service is provided by Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust. This way of joint working means there is improved access for local people.
Rebecca Tica is a clinical matron for Newquay and Falmouth Community Hospitals. She says: “We have much clearer images and diagnostics for our patients. We’re hoping that because these images are instant, waiting times will be reduced.
“We’re hoping that we will be able to see an additional 10 and 15 patients per day.”
She adds: “We’ve been closed for 2 months while this major upgrade takes place. We’ve not only got the upgraded Philips x-ray machine, but we’ve also got new flooring, everything has been decorated so it’s feeling lovely and fresh.
“Our minor injury unit practitioners have shown me some of the x-rays that they’re seeing and they’re so much clearer. It’s made a clear diagnosis a lot easier for them as well, so it’s great news all round.”