A mobile MRI unit in Wales has helped reduce waiting times for 410 patients in the past month at Llantrisant Health Park.
The unit is a short walk from Royal Glamorgan Hospital in the Cwm Taf Morgannwg region, and has already increased capacity for scans in the health board, reduced waiting times for patients, and allowed them access to onward treatment sooner since it opened on 1 May.
A spokesperson for the health board explained patient feedback is already reflecting the positive impact, with respondents pointing to how it has reduced anxiety and delays in the diagnosis process.
The aim is for the MRI scanner to run for six months and continue to drive waiting times down.
'Big Team Effort'
Sharon Donovan, superintendent radiographer, said: “The initiative has been a big team effort and all staff involved have been a credit to our service, providing a warm welcome to patients and helping ensure its success in a short period of time.”
The mobile unit is located on the site where a new diagnostics and treatment centre for the South East Wales region will be developed.
This new facility will further develop regional working between Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board and Aneurin Bevan University Health Board to improve care and access to services.
(Image: Mobile MRI unit, via Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board)