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Digital X-rays to be rolled out Digital X-rays to be rolled out
(9 minutes later)
New digital technology is to replace traditional X-rays following a pilot scheme in Scottish hospitals.New digital technology is to replace traditional X-rays following a pilot scheme in Scottish hospitals.
Under the existing system X-rays are captured on a piece of film, which is then held up to the light.Under the existing system X-rays are captured on a piece of film, which is then held up to the light.
The new £3m equipment has been tested at hospitals in Glasgow and in Dumfries and Galloway.The new £3m equipment has been tested at hospitals in Glasgow and in Dumfries and Galloway.
It captures the X-ray onto computer in a similar way to a digital photograph. Experts said the technique could save the NHS millions of pounds.It captures the X-ray onto computer in a similar way to a digital photograph. Experts said the technique could save the NHS millions of pounds.
The use of X-ray film means that radiographers have to handle hazardous chemicals.The use of X-ray film means that radiographers have to handle hazardous chemicals.
There is only one copy of each image, which is often needed by a radiologist and the ward at the same time.There is only one copy of each image, which is often needed by a radiologist and the ward at the same time.
I find this incredibly efficient compared to the old way Dr Andrew DowneyVictoria Royal InfirmaryI find this incredibly efficient compared to the old way Dr Andrew DowneyVictoria Royal Infirmary
The new digital X-ray means that copies can be viewed by doctors anywhere in the hospital, or even at other hospitals.The new digital X-ray means that copies can be viewed by doctors anywhere in the hospital, or even at other hospitals.
Traditional X-ray film, which contains silver, is also very expensive and costs Glasgow hospitals £900,000 each year.Traditional X-ray film, which contains silver, is also very expensive and costs Glasgow hospitals £900,000 each year.
The new equipment expected to pay for itself within four years. The new equipment is expected to pay for itself within four years.
One hospital using the new digital system is the Victoria Infirmary in Glasgow.One hospital using the new digital system is the Victoria Infirmary in Glasgow.
Dr Andrew Downey, who is using the new equipment, said: "I find this incredibly efficient compared to the old way. Dr Andrew Downey, who is based there, said: "I find this incredibly efficient compared to the old way.
"You used to have a list of problems looking around for films, your couldn't find films and you were waiting for them to turn up."You used to have a list of problems looking around for films, your couldn't find films and you were waiting for them to turn up.
"There were also a lot of problems with film packages coming into the ward where we couldn't report on them.""There were also a lot of problems with film packages coming into the ward where we couldn't report on them."