Surgeons analysing a scan

£51m investment to replace ageing diagnostic equipment in Wales

More than £51m is being invested to replace older diagnostic imaging equipment across NHS Wales and to speed up waiting times, the Welsh Government’s Health Minister, Eluned Morgan has announced.

The upgrading of vital technology and equipment, including MRI and CT scanners, will ensure people waiting for scans are seen faster and help to reduce their levels of anxiety and concern.

The funding is being brought forward in the face of worldwide shortages of diagnostic equipment caused by soaring demand.

It will help ensure NHS Wales has up-to-date diagnostic facilities using the latest imaging technology.

Image quality will be improved, supporting earlier and more accurate diagnosis of many common diseases, including cancer.

Commenting, Welsh Health Minister, Eluned Morgan said:

“We are committed to ensuring NHS Wales has the right diagnostic tools and equipment needed to care for people throughout Wales.

“By ensuring we have facilities fit for the 21st century, we can significantly improve people’s care through earlier and more accurate diagnosis and help reduce the stress and anxiety people experience while waiting for these tests.

“We have a lot of work to do to cut waiting times, but investing in the latest diagnostic technology will help support efforts to recover from the pandemic.”

Since the national programme to replace diagnostic imaging equipment across Wales was established in 2018, more than £63m has been invested.

Earlier this year, £25m was announced to replace the highest priority equipment and a further £25m was committed to develop PET-CT imaging services throughout Wales.

Cardiff and Vale University Health Board will receive £7.7m of funding to replace MRI and CT scanners, as well as fluoroscopy facilities at University Hospital Llandough.

Executive Director of Therapies and Health Sciences at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Fiona Jenkins added:

“This funding, in addition to an upgrade to our digital imaging equipment at the University Hospital of Wales, will ensure that we have the high-quality diagnostic facilities required to provide people with the most efficient services possible, which will play an important role in addressing waiting times that have been impacted by the pandemic.”

National Health Executive, Jan/Feb, Cover

NHE Jan/Feb 22

The pioneering programmes aimed at solving the NHS workforce pressures - starting at the top

This issue highlights the latest topics within the health sector, from pioneering programmes aimed at solving the NHS workforce pressures, treatment to slow the progression of Parkinson's disease, how the UK is leading the way in cancer research & more!

Videos...

View all videos
National Health Executive Presents

National Health Executive Presents

NHE365 Virtual Events

NHE has created a full calendar of events to address the most important issues that influence the delivery of healthcare services. Over 365 days you'll have the opportunity to hear from a range of highly motivating, informative and inspirational speakers. These speakers will equip you with the knowledge and unique insight to enable you to overcome the challenges that you face.

Finger on the Pulse

Ep 14. Health messaging is a science, Professor Craig Jackson

On Episode 14 of NHE's Finger on the Pulse podcast, we're joined by Professor Craig Jackson, Professor of Occupational Health Psychology
Birmingham City University to discuss the coronavirus pandemic, the health messaging around it and how those in power have missed a trick by overlooking the key role of psychology in informing the public of restrictions, measures and the ever-changing situation

More articles...

View all