ANDOVER hospital has received a new piece of potentially life-saving equipment as part of a £1.5M investment package for medical imaging in the area.

A new computed tomography (CT) scanner has been installed at Andover War Memorial Hospital.

The scanner is the first of its kind in the region, and helps to support staff in providing the best possible care to patients in North and Mid-Hampshire.

A CT scan scan is a medical imaging technique that uses computer-processed combinations of multiple X-ray measurements taken from different angles, allowing staff to to see inside the body without cutting.

The new equipment is being used for potentially life-saving investigations relating to cancer and heart disease.

Dr Julian Elford, consultant radiologist at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and clinical lead for the project said: “This is fantastic news for Hampshire Hospitals and for all patients coming into our hospitals for planned investigations.”

“This new CT scanner will be used for elective patients, and ensures they can be separated from any acute and emergency work, offering a safe place that is separate from any COVID related investigations or care.

“This is an exciting time for Hampshire Hospitals as we continue to develop our community-based services while ensuring our busy acute sites can offer the best possible care to the patients that need it.”

Alex Whitfield, chief executive at Hampshire Hospitals, which also runs hospitals in Basingstoke and Winchester, added: “This latest investment in our hospital in Andover means we now have extra diagnostic capacity to help provide the best possible care to our local community in Andover and beyond.

“This is a major step forward in our ultimate goal of keeping services local where possible, and we have already had fantastic feedback from patients and staff.”

“Well done to the whole team for getting it up and running so quickly.”