Patients getting x-rays and CT scans at the Vale of Leven Hospital are to benefit from a £300,000 investment in new state-of-the-art equipment.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde has spent the money creating a new digital x-ray room, where they say the new machine will give faster and clearer images.

The existing CT scanner will also get an upgrade, with new enhanced software.

The health board says the investment confirms its long-term commitment to the future of the Alexandria hospital.

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Betty McVean, the sector superintendent radiographer at the Vale, said: “This means the Vale will now have the latest in x-ray equipment which will allow the clearest images to be taken.

"This will be of particular benefit when scanning patients who have had joint replacements, where it can be difficult to achieve clear pictures as metal can obscure areas of interest.

"The upgrade will also assist the radiographers in using the lowest possible radiation exposure while maintaining high quality CT images.

“The upgrade has also allowed us to alter the layout of the x-ray room, giving more space for larger patient changing areas.”

The x-ray room is situated in the main department and will be used for patients attending the minor injuries unit, out patient department, in patients and GP patient area.

While the CT scanner is being upgraded a mobile scanner will operate from the car park from Tuesday, April 23 to Thursday, May 2.

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Betty added: “We hope to keep any disruption to an absolute minimum while this work is carried.

"This will also mean that four disabled parking spaces are out of use for around ten days, but we are sure our patients will understand the value of this work.”

A spokeswoman for NHSGGC added: “This investment underlines NHSGGC’s commitment to the long term future of the hospital and the pledge from chairman John Brown that the Vale’s future is guaranteed.”