FRIENDS of North Cambs Hospital, Wisbech, have provided �55,000 to enable the radiography department to buy the latest advanced digital x-ray equipment.

The new facilities were opened by Eileen Plater MBE, Chair of the Friends Group, on Friday. The donation has been matched by another �55,000 from the NHS.

Mike Oldham, radiography manager, Cambridgeshire Community Services NHS Trust, said it means the department can instantly send x-ray results and radiological reports by computer to minor injury units and consultants at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Kings Lynn, and others.

Until now the team would have taken x-rays on film sheets which would have to be taken by road to other hospitals.

The donation has also helped to fund a new children’s play area to occupy children while they or their parents wait for an x-ray.

Mr Oldham said: “This donation means that we are completely filmless for the first time, which makes a significant difference to the quality and speed of service we are able to provide to local people.

“We can compare images with ones previously taken at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, and vice versa, in minutes, and the patient’s local GP can get results far quicker. It’s also good news for our staff that can adopt the latest working practices and liaise better with other healthcare professionals.”