World's first dual X-ray machine in Redbridge

- 05 November 2009

Carl Smith and June Forrester show off new machine

A UNIQUE X-ray unit has been delivered to a hospital in Redbridge.

The world's first Toshiba Ultimax-I combined fluoroscopy and X-ray machine has been installed in the new radiology department at Spire Roding Hospital, Roding Lane South, Redbridge.

Built in Japan, the machine will be available to all patients, whether they are insured or not, with a GP referral.

The new unit is in two parts - a ceiling-mounted extendable tube system, used for taking standard X-ray images, and a base unit which takes a constant stream of images of internal organs.

Carl Smith, the hospital's radiology manager, said "The unit will make a major difference to anyone coming into Spire Roding for even the most basic of diagnostic tests, as the patient will be able to relax comfortably, whilst we manipulate the machine to get the exact view we require to support an accurate diagnosis.

"It also has the largest screen capacity on the market, and will therefore mean lower radiation levels for all our patients."

The machine will give specialists will be given a better view of the more difficult areas of the body.