Newquay Community Hospital is due to receive a significant advancement in medical imaging technology, promising faster and more efficient patient care. The hospital is set to receive a major upgrade to its x-ray facilities, a development that is being welcomed by both staff and patients.
The new digital radiography equipment, which replaces the traditional x-ray process, is at the heart of this upgrade. This cutting-edge technology uses x-ray-sensitive plates to directly capture data during patient examinations. The immediate transfer of this data to a computer system eliminates the need for cassettes, streamlining the process and producing higher quality images.
Senior Radiographer Suzanne Grice-Renault, with 40 years of experience, expressed her enthusiasm about the upgrade. “This is fantastic news for everyone involved. The new system will not only revamp the entire x-ray room but will also significantly reduce the time each patient spends for an x-ray. What used to take 10 to 15 minutes will now be a matter of minutes,” she said.
The impact of this upgrade is expected to be substantial. Currently, the hospital accommodates 25 to 30 patients daily for x-rays. However, with the new equipment, similar to those already installed at other sites, the hospital anticipates handling up to 50 patients a day. “It’s a win-win for everybody,” Grice-Renault added, highlighting the benefits for both staff efficiency and patient satisfaction.
However, during this transition, there will be some temporary changes affecting the hospital’s services. The x-ray room at Newquay Minor Injury Unit will be closed from midday on Wednesday, 10 January, to facilitate the installation of the new equipment. This process is expected to take approximately 8 weeks.
During this period, the Newquay Minor Injury Unit will remain operational, but x-ray services will be unavailable. Patients in need of x-ray examinations are advised to visit other minor injury units in the region, including Camborne Redruth Community Hospital, St Austell Community Hospital, and Bodmin Community Hospital. To assist patients, the hospital has provided resources to find the nearest minor injury unit and check live waiting and opening times.
This upgrade marks a significant step forward in healthcare technology for Newquay Community Hospital, reflecting its commitment to providing high-quality care and reducing patient wait times. The new digital radiography system is not just a technological upgrade; it is a leap towards enhanced patient care and efficiency in medical services.
