A NEW £5.5million facility has officially opened at Basildon Hospital, boasting state-of-the-art equipment to help patients receive scans “quickly and in comfortable surroundings”. 

The equipment was installed at the hospital, on Nethermayne, and is now in use after the big investment from the Mid and South Essex Hospital Trust. 

It will be providing an improved service to those who have outpatient CT and MRI appointments.

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Using modern technology, the new scanners operate more quickly and provide higher-quality images.

This includes an MRI machine, which uses magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body, and a CT scanner, which uses X-rays to diagnose many conditions, including cancer.

The rooms containing the two machines have also been fitted with skylight ceiling tiles to make patients feel more comfortable when they have their scans.

Brian Green, general manager for radiology at Mid and South Essex NHS Trust, said: “Our new courtyard facility will help us to offer a better and faster service to our patients.

“Within the building there is a two-bed recovery space and separate room for staff to prepare patients ahead of their scan.

“This frees up our radiographers to continue scanning while healthcare assistants provide cannulas to patients in more comfort and privacy.”

The trust say it worked with a number of partners to build the £5.5million facility.

A key role was carried out by Philips as part of its managed service agreement with the trust.

The company helped to assess the location for the new unit, identify contractors, and provided initial designs for the layout and building.

Andrew Baggott, leader of Basildon Council, welcomed the addition to the hospital and borough.

He said: “It sounds excellent.

“Again, it is a reaffirmation of the commitment to Basildon and the people of Basildon.

“It will be great news for those on waiting lists too, or in the part having waiting time issues for various scans, with the new quicker technology.

“Of course too, when you are in hospital it is a very nervous time for people, so anything which can improve the overall surrounding and overall experience is always to be welcomed.”