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14/10/2003
Lib Dems warn NHS cancer equipment 'old and hazardous'
Cancer-detecting equipment being used by the NHS is "out of date, endangering the lives and wellbeing of patients", new research by the Liberal Democrats has revealed today.
Nearly a third of MRI scanners in the NHS are past their sell-by-date with official figures showing that 63 MRI scanners are more than seven years old, which is the maximum recommended age, according to the research.
The oldest scanner at North Middlesex University Hospital was more than twice that age, at 15 years old, the study found.
Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, Paul Burstow MP, said: "Patients deserve the best care available. Out of date equipment threatens to undermine the quality of care given by doctors and nurses. Creaking scanners must not be allowed to put patient health at risk.
"Years of underfunding under the Tories and Labour have left doctors and nurses trying to cope with breakdowns and shortages in cancer care equipment. This is unacceptable in the NHS of the 21st Century.
"Hospitals, forced to focus simply on Labour’s targets, are failing to plan for when equipment needs replacing. Money gets diverted from new equipment into paying off debts. Ministers must stop interfering and let frontline staff take a long term view, and get on with the job".
(gmcg)
Nearly a third of MRI scanners in the NHS are past their sell-by-date with official figures showing that 63 MRI scanners are more than seven years old, which is the maximum recommended age, according to the research.
The oldest scanner at North Middlesex University Hospital was more than twice that age, at 15 years old, the study found.
Liberal Democrat Shadow Health Secretary, Paul Burstow MP, said: "Patients deserve the best care available. Out of date equipment threatens to undermine the quality of care given by doctors and nurses. Creaking scanners must not be allowed to put patient health at risk.
"Years of underfunding under the Tories and Labour have left doctors and nurses trying to cope with breakdowns and shortages in cancer care equipment. This is unacceptable in the NHS of the 21st Century.
"Hospitals, forced to focus simply on Labour’s targets, are failing to plan for when equipment needs replacing. Money gets diverted from new equipment into paying off debts. Ministers must stop interfering and let frontline staff take a long term view, and get on with the job".
(gmcg)
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26 March 2007
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
'Postcode lottery' remains in NHS dental care
There are "huge regional variations" in NHS dental care in England, consumer organisation Which? has warned in new research. The survey of 466 dentistry practices - which comes a year after the start of new NHS dentists' contract in England - found that just over a third (36%) are taking on any new NHS patients.
24 March 2011
Patients Getting Improved NHS Care
A round-up of NHS quality and financial performance between October and December 2010 has been published by the Department of Health today.
Patients Getting Improved NHS Care
A round-up of NHS quality and financial performance between October and December 2010 has been published by the Department of Health today.
04 January 2005
Five further health trusts make foundation grade
Following approval by the independent regulatory body, five Trusts have been granted Foundation Trust status.
Five further health trusts make foundation grade
Following approval by the independent regulatory body, five Trusts have been granted Foundation Trust status.
23 September 2004
NHS recruitment drive to focus on over 50s
A new nationwide drive to recruit NHS staff, which will focus for the first time on the over 50s, has been was launched today. NHS Job Shop Day comprises of 220 events taking place around the country on or around 23 September. Around 150 Jobcentres across England will also be holding special NHS events on 23 September as part of NHS Job Shop Day.
NHS recruitment drive to focus on over 50s
A new nationwide drive to recruit NHS staff, which will focus for the first time on the over 50s, has been was launched today. NHS Job Shop Day comprises of 220 events taking place around the country on or around 23 September. Around 150 Jobcentres across England will also be holding special NHS events on 23 September as part of NHS Job Shop Day.
17 September 2003
NHS buildings and equipment 'rapidly improving': Reid
The fabric of NHS hospitals, buildings and equipment is "rapidly improving", according to the latest assessment of the NHS estate.
NHS buildings and equipment 'rapidly improving': Reid
The fabric of NHS hospitals, buildings and equipment is "rapidly improving", according to the latest assessment of the NHS estate.
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Northern Ireland WeatherThis Evening and Tonight:It will be cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, soon followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
