New digital X-ray room opens at Horton General Hospital

Patients at the Horton General Hospital will benefit from new imaging technology and specialist examinations following the opening of a new digital X-ray room.

Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) has invested in a new Philips 7300 digital radiography system, replacing older equipment with modern technology designed to improve image quality, reduce radiation exposure and support staff in delivering care more efficiently.

Completed earlier this year and now fully operational, the new X-ray room allows staff to carry out whole-spine and leg-length examinations on-site for the first time. This means more patients will be able to access specialist imaging closer to home without needing to travel elsewhere.

The technology offers improved image quality while reducing radiation exposure for patients.

In addition, the equipment features automated positioning technology, which helps radiographers carry out examinations more efficiently and reduces the physical effort associated with moving and positioning equipment during procedures.

Around 50,000 patients undergo approximately 60,000 X-ray examinations at the Horton General Hospital each year.

The enhanced capability is particularly beneficial for children and young people who previously may have needed to travel to Oxford for specialist whole-spine imaging.

Tracy Condon, Radiology Site Lead at the Horton General Hospital, said: "This investment in imaging services at Horton General Hospital will help us continue to provide high-quality diagnostic care for our patients.

"The new digital X-ray system gives our teams access to advanced technology that improves image quality, reduces radiation dose and enables us to offer whole-spine and leg-length imaging at the Horton General Hospital for the first time.

"The equipment will also make examinations more efficient and support our radiographers in their day-to-day work, helping us deliver the best possible experience for patients."

Felicity Taylor-Drewe, Chief Operating Officer at OUH, said: "We are committed to ensuring patients across Oxfordshire can access high-quality services as close to home as possible.

"This investment in the Horton General Hospital expands the range of diagnostic examinations available locally and reduces the need for some patients to travel elsewhere for imaging.

"Modern diagnostic equipment is essential to delivering high-quality healthcare, and this investment will benefit patients and staff for years to come."