Fewer people go to hospital due to home X-ray - GP

Clinical imaging assistant Kirsten Kimber and consultant radiographer Chrissie Eade are part of the pilot

A pilot scheme which brings an X-ray service to patients at home is reducing the number of people going to hospital, a GP says.

Dr Matt Whiteley, who helped set up the scheme in Cornwall, said each year in the county about 1,000 patients aged 50 and over have a fall and "many are taken to the emergency department by ambulance".

He said since the pilot started in February "we have reduced the number by well over 100".

A car with portable X-ray equipment and two operators are dispatched to people who need checking after a fall or injury, but are at low risk of a fracture.

The service will come to people's homes if they have had a fall

Kirsten Kimber, clinical imaging assistant, said patients were "really happy they are being kept in the right place without taking an ambulance to hospital which can be uncomfortable or distressing".

Henry Keenan, 86, is one of the patients from Newquay who has experienced the service.

He was referred by his GP after he had a fall.

The X-ray came back within 40 minutes and staff found he did not need to go to the emergency department for treatment.

Henry Keenan has used the scheme

Mr Keenan said: “It’s a great service, a fantastic service.

“I couldn’t have asked for better."