A NEW X-ray machine will finally be installed on Canvey, following years of complaints from residents who have been forced to travel across south Essex for appointments.

Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris announced the news on social media on Monday after pushing the NHS to reintroduce X-ray services to the Primary Care Centre in Long Road.

The machine at the centre broke prior to the Covid pandemic, and could not be repaired as the manufacturer no longer made the parts needed.

Ms Harris revealed the replacement machine will be installed in July.

Castle Point Council leader Dave Blackwell said it will be of huge help for residents who currently have to travel to Southend or Basildon hospitals for appointments.

He said: “I am really pleased and we were told before the election.

“It will be in the Primary Care Centre and it’s a big area of the centre which is unused. It’s separate from the council’s Paddocks Centre regeneration but is next to this community centre.

“This is going to take a lot of pressure off Basildon and Southend hospitals and it will be amazing for Canvey people.

“It’s a massive thing for Canvey people and I am pleased to have played a part in it.”

Mr Blackwell added that the machine been a long time coming and there was huge uproar when the last machine was taken out of action.

Ms Harris also welcomed the news.

She said: “I have been in regular contact with local NHS providers about my concerns with the time it is taking to replace the X-ray machine on Canvey Island.

“The previous machine was unable to be fixed, so I was assured that a new machine will be installed this year. The latest update that I have just received is that the new X-ray machine should be operational by the end of July. I will provide further updates as and when I have them.”

Back in August the Echo reported how angry residents were demanding the service returns and complained about travelling further afield for the service.

At the time the Mid and South Essex Trust said a new machine would be installed in 12 to 18 months’ time.

 

A spokesperson for Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said: “The new x-ray machine will be moved into the existing Canvey Primary Care Centre. It is expected it will be in use by patients from late Summer 2022.”