PATIENTS at Boston's Pilgrim Hospital are benefiting from speedier treatment thanks to a new, state-of-the-art £120,000 piece of equipment.

The X-ray mobile Image Intensifier (XRII) is being used for imaging in operating theatres at the hospital during general surgery and for vascular procedures.

Senior radiographer Tim Loake, clinical manager for theatres Penny Harrison, radiology services manager Nigel Allen and Sterile Services Manager Graham Stell with key account manager Ian Mitcham and sales specialist for X-ray Simon Bunce with the new X-ray mobile Image Intensifier.

It is designed to provide high resolution images instantaneously and can also provide a continuous live image projected onto a monitor using fluoroscopy – an imaging technique used to obtain real-time moving images of the internal structures of a patient.

The XRII uses advanced flat panel detector technology, which amplifies the signal from low intensity X-rays, meaning the patient is subject to less radiation exposure than through traditional methods.

In addition the image intensifier connects to a Picture Archiving and Communication System, which affords easy storage, retrieval, management and presentation of images.

This overcomes the physical and time constraints previously associated with X-rays by eliminating the need for paper manual files.

Clinical services manager Alison George-Jones told the Target: "The new mobile image intensifier means that we can provide a more timely delivery of care to our patients.

"Before we had this machine, we had to share the three we already had between patient cases over two floors, and the machines are large and difficult to move.

"We now have two on each floor, alleviating this problem. This will minimise delays and on-the-day cancellations."