Falmouth Community Hospital’s X-Ray Upgrade: What You Need to Know

A major upgrade to the x-ray facilities at Falmouth Community Hospital begins this week, with work expected to take up to 12 weeks. The improvements aim to enhance patient care and efficiency, thanks to state-of-the-art digital radiography equipment.

Cutting-Edge Technology for Faster Treatment

Staff are optimistic about the benefits of the new equipment, which uses x-ray–sensitive plates to directly capture data during examinations. The data is transferred to a computer system without the need for a cassette, significantly speeding up the process while producing higher quality images.

Senior Radiographer Suzanne Grice-Renault highlighted the advantages for both patients and staff:
“Like the recent upgrade at Newquay Community Hospital, the revamp in Falmouth is much needed. We will upgrade the whole room and patients will be seen in a very timely manner. It will take a matter of minutes, rather than 10 to 15 minutes per patient.

“At the moment, we get 25 to 30 patients a day coming through here. Other sites where the new equipment has been installed are seeing up to 50 patients. It is a win-win for everybody.”

What Patients Need to Know During the Upgrade

While the Minor Injury Unit at Falmouth Community Hospital will remain open, the x-ray room will close from 8am on Monday, 6th January. Patients requiring x-rays are advised to visit the Minor Injury Unit at Camborne and Redruth Community Hospital during this period.

To find your nearest minor injury unit or check live waiting and opening times, visit the Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust website.

This upgrade is expected to transform the experience for patients and staff, with the improved system enabling the hospital to see more patients in less time once it’s operational.