A MILLION pound investment into specialist scan equipment at Southend Hospital will speed up treatment and slash waiting times.

The Mid and South Essex NHS Trust has revealed the specialist radiology scanning equipment has now been installed and is up and running.

It is not only expected to reduce hospital waiting times but will mean patients receive their results much quicker.

Patients in need of certain procedures will now be able to use the fluoroscopy machine at Southend Hospital, which provides more accurate scan results and clearer images than older equipment.

It also delivers a lower radiation dose to patients receiving treatment.

Elida Barcelos, senior radiographer at Southend Hospital, said: “We are incredibly excited about our fantastic new area.

“We can now see more patients which means waiting lists will reduce and people will get their results and treatment more quickly if they need it.

“It has given us all a real boost as these improvements are bringing specialised fluoroscopy services that will help our patients and help our staff develop their skills.”

The newly created “welcoming area” is housed in a refurbished room that has created a more relaxing environment for patients.

There is also a new more convenient dedicated two-bay room next to the procedure room where patients can rest after their scans.

Previously patients needing recovery were taken to a medical day stay unit several floors below.

Daniel Nelson, Conservative councillor responsible for public health and adult social care, was delighted to hear about the investment.

He said: “It is fantastic news.

“As I have said previously, we need a healthcare service at Southend Hospital that is fit for a city as we are now.

“This investment takes us closer to achieving that goal.

“It is important that we do achieve it, and this is fantastic news. Hopefully frontline care benefits as a result of it.”

Fluoroscopy involves a dye being drunk or inserted into the body using a catheter, while a real-time video image is shown on monitors.

This allows radiographers to see the dye flow through a patient’s body to study any issues.