A 3D heart scanning device has been introduced at St Richard’s Hospital in Chichester.
The scanner, now operational at the West Sussex site, was purchased using £142,000 contributed by the Friends of Chichester Hospitals, a charitable organisation run by volunteers.
The upgrade aims to cut patient waiting periods, decrease how long individuals remain in hospital, and enable more people to be examined daily.
Robert Jennings, a heart specialist at the facility, expressed gratitude for the funding. He noted that the equipment would significantly improve how doctors identify and care for patients.
The technology enables cardiac imaging to be performed in half the usual time.
Richard Stephens, the Chair of the Friends of Chichester Hospitals, thanked those who donated. He stated that the contributions came from the generous local population in the Chichester region, and that ongoing backing would allow the charity to supply additional essential equipment to St Richard’s.
The organisation has provided assistance to the hospital and surrounding mental health services since 1948.
The arrival of this scanning equipment follows the recent shut-down of an advanced cardiac operating theatre at the hospital, despite a petition signed by over 13,000 individuals opposing the closure.
Meanwhile, Southlands Hospital, another facility in Sussex, has taken delivery of a new four-tonne MRI imaging system, with patient use scheduled to begin in May.