PATIENTS who need a particular type of X-ray will now be able to receive treatment at Inverclyde Royal thanks to an investment of almost £600,000 in new equipment.
A fluoroscopy machine has now been installed at the hospital, meaning that patients can receive scans in Greenock rather than having to travel to Paisley or Glasgow.
The machine, which cost £580,000, uses X-rays to obtain moving images of the internal organs and tissues.
NHS bosses say the equipment improves the patient experience because it is smaller, and gives staff better image quality using lower doses of radiation.
The screening room which will house the machine has also been refurbished as part of the project.
A separate £48,000 was used to replace the hospital's orthopantomography (OPT) unit which takes images of the mouth and jaw.
Ann Traquair Smith, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde’s director of diagnostics, said: "This new equipment represents a significant investment in the clinical infrastructure at Inverclyde Royal Hospital.
"It will allow vital services in the x-ray and radiology department to be delivered to patients closer to home in Inverclyde, rather than the need to travel to other hospitals and sites.
"Continued investment in local healthcare systems and facilities will allow us to better meet the needs of the people who live there."
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