Cancer-scans diagnostics hub unveiled at hospital

A NEW multi-million-pound “diagnostics hub” which aims to speed up access to vital scans will be unveiled at a south Wales hospital today.

The hub, at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital in Ynysmaerdy, near Llantrisant, promises to improve diagnosis of serious illnesses, especially cancer, in an area where death rates are among the highest in Wales.

It features two CT scanners and two MRI scanners and will house a new purpose-built CT suite and recovery room to “provide the best possible patient experience”.

The development is expected to deliver, on average, an additional 7,232 MRI scans and 6,599 CT scans per year and will offer a “centre of excellence” for training and professional development.

It follows news that the hospital will downgrade its paediatric and obstetric services from summer 2018.

Commenting on the hub Ruth Treharne, deputy chief executive and director of planning and performance at Cwm Taf University Health Board, said: “Royal Glamorgan Hospital is fast making a name for itself for developing a significant role in diagnostics and ambulatory care.

“As well as providing improved diagnostic facilities and scanning for our own patients in Cwm Taf, the hub will become a centre of excellence for south Wales.

“Our clinicians are keen to take advantage of technological advances in diagnostics.

“We are currently recruiting and would welcome applications or expressions of interest from radiologists and radiographers in the UK or overseas to join the team.”