New x-ray equipment with better image quality and reliability is
set to be rolled out to hospitals across North Wales.
The new equipment, which will be easier for NHS staff to use,
supports a range of procedures and imaging requirements for
patients and expose people to lower doses of x-rays when images
are taken.
Colwyn Bay, Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Wrexham Maelor and Ysbyty Gwynedd
hospitals will all benefit from the new equipment as part of a
£4.4m investment from the Welsh Government.
The investment will see older x-ray machines replaced with new,
updated digital radiology systems at Colwyn Bay Hospital and
Ysbyty Glan Clwyd.
This will ensure image quality is improved and radiation exposure
is reduced, as well as being easier for staff as they are much
more comfortable to use and are fully automated for positioning.
New fluoroscopy systems, which are useful for reviewing the
swallowing action and radiological procedures such as biopsies or
drainages, will be provided at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and Ysbyty
Gwynedd.
These systems will have improved features, image quality and
reliability, meaning more people can be scanned in the radiology
department.
Mammography imaging equipment, which is used to examine the
breast and is vital in helping to detect cancer and other breast
diseases, will also be replaced at Wrexham Maelor Hospital and
Ysbyty Gwynedd.
Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, said: “This shows
our commitment to replacing older equipment with new systems
which are easier to use, better quality, more reliable and
improve productivity and efficiency.
“These new machines will be easier for staff to use and provide
them with better tools to help diagnose a wide range of
conditions, including cancer.
“We are ensuring hospitals all over Wales have equipment they
need to see, diagnose and treat more people, as we speed up
diagnosis and reduce waiting times.”
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board's deputy
executive medical director, Jim McGuigan said: “We are
grateful for this investment in new diagnostic equipment across
multiple health board sites.
“It will help our staff provide a more comprehensive and
efficient service, through the use of improved technologies.
“We all have the same goal of reducing waiting times for
diagnosis and treatment. This new equipment will help us on that
journey.”
Notes to editors
- Digital x-ray room at Colwyn Bay Hospital - £0.739m and at
Ysbyty Glan Clwyd - £0.463m
- Fluoroscopy at Wrexham Maelor Hospital - £0.913m and at
Ysbyty Gwynedd - £0.894m
- Mammography at Wrexham Maelor Hospital - £0.731m and at
Ysbyty Glan Clwyd - £0.675m
