The X-ray department at Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust’s, Launceston Hospital reopened last week, following a £400,000 investment.

X-rays are once again available at the hospital from Monday to Friday and Sunday (but not bank holidays) between 8.30am and 5pm following the reopening on Tuesday, February 8. The unit’s Sunday service will return on February 20 between 8.30am and 5pm.

The investment paid for a digital X-ray machine and installation work, which began back in November 2021. The work saw the replacement of the hospital’s 20-year-old X-ray machine.

Sarah Washer is the hospital’s matron, “The digital X-ray will allow radiographers to see more patients and obtain clearer and more detailed diagnostic images, more quickly.

“The availability of X-ray services within most of the county’s community hospitals is a great example of how we integrate with our main acute hospitals to deliver local community services close to where people live.”

Radiographers employed by University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust provide a diagnostic radiographic service. This supports outpatient clinics held at the hospital, referrals from GP, and the staff working in Launceston hospital’s minor injury unit diagnose broken bones and other injuries.

MP for North Cornwall Scott Mann welcomed the news, adding: “I’m very pleased that this project has been delivered and I would like to thank all involved for their hard work. The availability of these high-quality services in North Cornwall is something my constituents have asked for and I have been keen to support.”

Now the work at Launceston Hospital is complete, work will begin on the installation of a similar machine at Stratton Hospital.