Hospitals suspend X-rays as machines are too old

PATIENTS in Lanarkshire are having to travel more than ten miles to get an X-ray because some machines are so old they can no longer be fixed.

MSPs were told yesterday that patients attending hospitals in Cumbernauld and Kilsyth were being referred to Monklands Hospital in Airdrie after the maintenance contracts on the machines expired. Central Scotland MSP Hugh O'Donnell called for improved access to X-ray facilities in the area.

Public health minister Shona Robison said she recognised the difficulties being experienced by NHS Lanarkshire. "Due to the age of the equipment, it can no longer be covered by maintenance contracts beyond the end of December last year," she said.

"Safety of patients is absolutely paramount and it would be in breach of national standards if any board was to use this equipment under those circumstances.

"The patients are currently being referred to Monklands radiology department, and that will continue until a full review of radiology services has been completed.

"I would expect the board to progress any proposal for permanent change with the full involvement of patients, the public and other stakeholders."