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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Cancer-detecting equipment being used by the NHS is "out of date, endangering the lives and wellbeing of patients", new research by the Liberal Democrats has revealed today.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 Out of date equipment threatens to undermine the quality of care given by doctors and nurses.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 Out of date equipment threatens to undermine the quality of care given by doctors and nurses.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
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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.
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.
16 March 2012
Rise In Hospital Parking Fees Criticised
New figures published have shown than more than a quarter of hospital trusts in England increased car parking charges for patients and visitors in the year to last April. While some cut prices, others more than doubled them, according to data from 197 hospitals and mental health trusts.
Rise In Hospital Parking Fees Criticised
New figures published have shown than more than a quarter of hospital trusts in England increased car parking charges for patients and visitors in the year to last April. While some cut prices, others more than doubled them, according to data from 197 hospitals and mental health trusts.
18 October 2011
More Protection For NHS Whistleblowers
Doctors, nurses and other NHS workers who blow the whistle will be given clearer protections under changes to the NHS Constitution announced by the Health Secretary on Tuesday.
More Protection For NHS Whistleblowers
Doctors, nurses and other NHS workers who blow the whistle will be given clearer protections under changes to the NHS Constitution announced by the Health Secretary on Tuesday.
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