HEALTH bosses are spending more than £2m on radiology equipment that provides better images.

Gateshead Health NHS Trust, which provides specialist services to neighbouring areas including parts of County Durham, has bought the latest CT (Computerised Tomography) and MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanners and an ultrasound machine.

The CT scanner, which works through x-rays, is used for a diverse range of imaging procedures for inpatients, outpatients and emergency trauma. It is one of the first of its kind in the country.

MRI Imaging, which uses high strength magnetic fields, is also useful for a wide range of conditions but especially those of the nervous system or muscles and skeleton.

The trust has also invested in a revamped digital radiography room that can load x-ray images straight into computers instead of on to traditional film.

The department's clinical director Peter Bartholomew said: "The extent of improvements for patients is unquestionable.

"Over the next 18 months or so we also hope to have moved onto hospital wide Pacs (Picture Archiving Computerised System) digital technology whereby all images can be accessed and scrutinised in any department."

The trust is boosting staff training and development and extending staff roles in a bid to overcome the national shortage of radiology staff.

Mr Bartholomew said: "As well as investing in new equipment, we're putting a strong emphasis on study for further qualifications to encourage staff development and extend roles and responsibilities with high quality training."

The trust is also centralising its appointment processes to cut down on missed appointments.