DIAGNOSTIC services at Stepping Hill Hospital are set to improve after major investment in new CT scanners.
Work is to start later this year on an extended building which will house the two new scanners, which use the latest state-of-the-art technology.
Health chiefs say that the newly built area will also provide “an enhanced environment” for patients.
One is scheduled to be functioning and in use by summer 2020, with the other in the autumn of the same year.
CT scanners are used by the hospital’s radiology department to scan for signs of cancer, as well as on other conditions such as blood clots, strokes, tumours, bone fractures and surgical emergencies.
The two new scanners will be in addition to two existing units on the hospital site, with the additional capacity improving waiting times for both inpatients and outpatients waiting for their diagnosis.
For patients awaiting results for signs of cancer, the new scanners will allow clinicians to speed up the process of getting the right diagnosis.
The hospital’s radiography team currently carries out more than 50,000 CT scans a year, a number which will greatly rise with the increased capacity scanners.
Around £2.6m has been invested in the enhanced building and new scanners.
The new CT scanners and improved buildings will give the hospital additional capacity it needs as part of the ‘Healthier Together’ programme to provide enhanced care for patients across Greater Manchester, delivering better patient outcomes and better patient experience.
Hugh Mullen, pictured, deputy chief executive of Stockport NHS Foundation Trust which runs Stepping Hill Hospital and local community NHS services, said: “We are delighted to be have been able to make this new investment which will double our number of CT scanners and improve experience for our patients.
“Waiting for a cancer diagnosis in particular is a harrowing experience, so we are particularly pleased that the new scanners will be able to reduce waiting times for this.”