A £650,000 hi-tech camera which detects cancers and organ problems is now helping to give patients faster and more accurate treatment at St Helier Hospital.
The gamma camera detects a very small dose of a radioactive substance which is injected into a patient’s body.
This allows doctors to build up a picture of the way an organ, such as a kidney, thyroid or heart, is functioning.
It also tells doctors about the progress of certain diseases such as prostate and cervical cancers.
The camera means that patients can start their treatment earlier, which should help save lives.
Peter Coles, interim chief executive said the camera was one of a very small number available to patients across London and the south east.
He said: “Gamma cameras are the latest technology in the fight against cancer and other diseases.
“The new camera will give doctors more information about the patient’s illness than ever before and will undoubtedly help save lives.
“Without the gamma camera, patients would have to travel out of the area to be scanned.”
MP for Carshalton and Wallington Tom Brake launched the gamma camera last week.
He said: "A brilliant medical team now have a state-of-the-art gamma camera to help diagnose patients.
“This will make a huge difference to the health of local people.
"Well done St Helier Hospital.”
Meanwhile, a further £100,000 has been spent on improving the unit in which the camera is based to make it more comfortable for patients waiting to be scanned.
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