A NEW ultrasound injection service at Southend Hospital has been launched to speed up patient waiting times, cutting them from up to 30 weeks to just two weeks.

Previously a more complicated imaging process would typically take several months, with multiple visits and patients require a day stay admission.

But now it has been reduced to just a short consultation and a visit to the injection clinic. Patients will not need a day stay in hospital, or wait for a slot to be available in the day operating theatre.

Sister Karen Coleman, clinical nurse specialist and manager of orthopaedic outpatients, explained how the new service is making a big difference.

She said: “The reduction in waiting time is fantastic for patients. We have also reduced the waiting time on the day of the procedure, from four hours to less than 30 minutes and we have cut down on patient appointment times. It’s now just one visit instead of three.”

The new process will give patients a more flexible choice with ultrasound guided injection clinics which will take place during morning and afternoon sessions on a weekly basis in the orthopaedic outpatients department.

Previously a radiographer and image intensifier equipment were needed for guided injections.

Guided injections are given to patients for pain relief from many different conditions. Using ultrasound injections means that staff and equipment are freed up for other procedures.

The new service also aims to reduce the pressure for the medical records department, as patient notes are not required for day stay admissions.

A patient could receive their treatment on their very first visit, followed up with a phone consultation within six to eight weeks.