Work has started on installing new x-ray machine in Hinckley
PATIENTS in Hinckley will soon be able to get their X-rays done in the town again as works have started to reopen a hospital facility.
The X-ray unit at Hinckley and District hospital suddenly closed in September 2019 as the 27-year-old kit had become unsafe for staff to use, with patients forced to travel to Coalville or Glenfield for their scans.
Money from the University Hospitals of Leicester capital expenditure programme is paying for the new machine, after calls from Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council to reinstate the service.
A spokesperson for West Leicestershire Clinical Commissioning
Group (CCG) said: “The Alliance, which provides planned care services in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland has been working with West Leicestershire CCG and has already placed an order with the supplier for the X-ray replacement in Hinckley, following the final confirmation of funding.
“Building work has started on the room to house the equipment, in order that it is ready for the installation of the new equipment.
“A confirmed date for the service to reopen for patient referrals will be confirmed as soon as possible.”
Dr Luke Evans, MP for Bosworth, said he has written to University Hospitals Leicester and the Department of Health and Social Care to ask when the facility would be open, but he is yet to be given a firm date.
He said: “After follow up with the clinical commissioning group they inform me that funding has been made available, the machine has been ordered, with the required building work starting imminently. This is encouraging.
“But it’s also equally important that local people can have a clear expectation of when they can expect an X-ray suite to reopen.
“I will continue to ask this important question