New x-ray machine opens at Minehead Hospital ahead of schedule

The first patients were examined by Minehead Community Hospital’s new brand new x-ray machine on Thursday 18 December – three weeks ahead of schedule.

The machine is estimated to scan an average of 25 patients a day, including those cared for on the hospital ward, outpatient and diagnostic clinics, and urgent treatment centre, as well as referrals for scans from local GP practices.

Norma Coombes, matron at Minehead Community Hospital, welcomed the news. “It’s fantastic for the people of Minehead and the surrounding area that our new x-ray machine has opened well ahead of schedule,” she says.

“The former x-ray equipment had served the hospital well over many years, but closed at the beginning of November, having reached the end of its usable lifespan.

“This x-ray machine is a much newer model, so it displays much clearer images with better clarity and definition, which greatly helps our colleagues when diagnosing patients.

“We want to thank everyone for their patience while the upgrade took place.”