Falmouth’s X-ray Department Reopens – What’s Changed?

Falmouth Community Hospital’s x-ray department is back in action following a major upgrade, with new digital equipment now in place to speed up patient care.

Faster Scans and Higher Quality Images

The hospital closed its x-ray facilities earlier this year to allow Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust to replace the ageing equipment with a modern digital x-ray machine. The refurbishment, which cost £473,000, also included improvements to the treatment area.

The new technology captures higher-quality images on x-ray-sensitive plates and transfers them directly to a computer, eliminating the need for cassettes. This upgrade not only speeds up the process but also reduces radiation exposure for patients.

Cutting Waiting Times

X-rays in most of Cornwall’s community hospitals are carried out by specialists from the Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust. Patrick McDermott, X-ray Team Lead for Cornwall, highlighted the benefits of the upgrade.

“The revamp of the x-ray equipment and room in Falmouth Community Hospital was much needed.

“Now we have a new digital machine we will be able to scan patients in a few minutes instead of the 10 to 15-minutes it used to take. Based on the numbers of patients we see in other areas; the digital x-ray means we will be able to see significantly more patients a day, cutting down the waiting lists.”

Part of a Wider Investment

Falmouth Community Hospital is the fifth diagnostic facility to be upgraded by Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in the last two years. The investment aligns with the recommendations of the Darzi Review, which aims to move more healthcare services into local communities rather than relying solely on main hospitals.

The x-ray service operates alongside the hospital’s minor injury unit. Patients can check live waiting times and opening hours on the Trust’s website.