AN upgrade of the imaging department at Kidderminster Hospital has brought a significant improvement for patients, including a new walk-in X-ray service.

The work included replacing outdated equipment in the radiography rooms with the latest technology, and the installation costs were paid for by the Kidderminster Hospital’s League of Friends.

The Friends group, which raises money through its hospital coffee shop, charity shops and donations from the public, contributed around £60,000 to the project.

The charity, which supports a wide range of schemes to improve the hospital experience for Wyre Forest patients, is expected to spend in the region of £100,000 at the Bewdley Road site this year.

The imaging department upgrade means patients will no longer have to wait for an appointment when their GP has referred them to the hospital for X-rays. They can take advantage of the new walk-in service which makes it possible to have their X-rays on the same day as visiting their doctor.

Caroline Teague, advanced practitioner at the imaging department, said the new equipment had greatly improved the quality of X-ray images and gave patients a much quicker and better service.

She said: “We are able to get a lot more patients through the department and we have been seeing between 80 to 100 patients a day.”

The department carries out more than 28,000 patient examinations a year, including those from outpatient clinics and wards at Kidderminster Hospital as well as GP referrals.

The new walk-in facility operates between 9am and 12.30pm, and 2pm and 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Ms Teague added: “Patients who have used the walk-in service think it is a good idea.

“It makes it easier to fit in to your day-to-day life, especially if you work.

“We are really grateful to the League of Friends for helping out the department.

“It has helped morale and uplifted everyone in the department and it is better for patients, so everybody wins.”