VITAL life saving computer software has been installed at Kidderminster Hospital, thanks to thousands of pounds raised through an appeal backed by The Shuttle.

The hospital upgraded its CT (computer tomography) scanner to a modern model and the computer software will now help doctors make a more accurate diagnosis.

The Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust approached the Kidderminster Hospitals League of Friends for support in raising the £60,000 needed for the work to take out the old machine and install the new one.

It also became apparent that a new multiplaner software package costing £65,000 would be required to provide the very best information to the consultants in treating patients from the local area.

The Kidderminster Hospitals League of Friends joined forces with The Shuttle in February 2013 to launch an appeal to raise the £125,000 needed to ensure that patients could have the most up to date CT scans.

The new scanner was unveiled in April 2013, which was faster running and had quicker reconstruction times compared to the old one and thanks to the new software, images were available for the first time.

Dr Umesh Udeshi, consultant radiologist at the hospital, said: “It was the right time to replace and upgrade the scanner and we are grateful to the League of Friends for their efforts in raising the money to make it possible for the hospital to have this equipment.

“It’s absolutely vital to be able to make accurate diagnoses promptly so that the patient can have the right treatment. The software package has been of great benefit as in my opinion it is vital to make best use of the scanner.”

Tina Bater, CT superintendent radiographer, said: “I would like to thank everyone involved with this appeal and all the staff involved with CT patients from placing requests on the computer system, allocating appointments, receptionists and clinical staff carrying out and reporting the scans.

“Their skills and attitude to work is greatly appreciated and it seems that there is no problem that cannot be solved. Since the installation, we have scanned over 100,000 patients which equated to just over 17,000 examinations.”

Donations started to roll in and fundraising events of all types were started. After a few weeks, a large anonymous donation was received, which gave momentum to the appeal. Clubs, organisations and individuals organised events and sponsorship activities, raising small to large donations.

David Wase, chairman of the League of Friends, who ran a similar appeal in 1995, said: “The League of Friends was set up to support our local hospital and this is yet another example of where we together with the community have been able to support the hospital and their staff to provide the very best treatment for our local community.

“It is so rewarding that we have been able to achieve the £125,000 target and at the same time we have been able to provide equipment to other areas of the hospital.

“We continue to work with all departments and all staff to ensure that patients can receive the best treatment at our local hospital.”

Peter Picken, trustee of the League of Friends, said: “This has been a long and challenging initiative by the League of Friends that would not have been possible without the help and support of The Shuttle, staff at the hospital and most of all the community.

“We are so grateful to everyone involved. I know that a large number of people have worked really hard but to all, thank you.”