A RECORD number of patients are being screened for cancer at a Worcestershire hospital, health officials have revealed.

February saw the first anniversary of the installation of a new diagnostic multislice scanner at Kidderminster Hospital, which provides treatment for patients from across the county.

Purchased with national funding from the Department of Health as part of an initiative to improve cancer services, the new, faster, high-resolution scanner was used to carry out more than 3,300 examinations in its first year.

This was an increase of 33 per cent on the previous year's activity, and was achieved without the need for any extra scanning sessions at the hospital.

Around 98 per cent of all suspected cancer patients now receive their scans within five days of a request for a scan.

The scanner is also used to help diagnose a wide range of other conditions.

A patient satisfaction survey by the Radiology Directorate has now revealed that the majority were impressed by the service - including professionalism, respect for dignity and the way the procedure was explained.

Neil Oldham, superintendent radiographer and manager of the X-ray department at Kidderminster, said: "I am delighted at the very high standards the CT department achieves and the positive comments." from patients participating in the survey."

Tina Wooldridge, superintendent radiographer in charge of the CT Scanner added: "The staff are delighted to be working on this latest technology which has enabled us to provide such a responsive service to our patients."

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