Plymouth Hospital Launches Pilot Mobile X-Ray Service

Derriford Hospital announced the introduction of a new mobile X-Ray service in Plymouth, aiming to alleviate pressure on its emergency department. University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust (UHP) stated that this pilot initiative, designed to decrease “unnecessary patient admissions,” commenced on Wednesday. The Trust explained that the vehicle will transport personnel and X-Ray equipment directly to patients throughout Plymouth and its vicinity. It further indicated that the results, obtained remotely, would be transmitted to the hospital’s clinical team, who would then recommend the necessary course of action, such as a hospital visit. The service’s team will focus on assisting frail and vulnerable individuals who have experienced a fall and potentially sustained a fracture. Anne Hicks, associate medical director for integrated care pathways, commented: “We’re really excited to get this service underway and know that it is the best thing for our patients who fall in the community.” She continued: “Having had a fall or injured yourself at home, and to then access the appropriate help, and get the diagnosis and the treatment plan in the comfort of your own home or community place of care – that’s what this service is all about.” Ms Hicks also mentioned that the service is projected to assist approximately three to five patients daily. She added: “We do not have anything like this at the moment, so for patients, it means that they can avoid the additional processes they experience when admitted into hospital, and when they leave.” UHP reported that in 2023, approximately 2000 patients aged over 55 presented at the emergency department and were subsequently determined not to have sustained a fracture. The Trust further indicated that almost 1,300 of these individuals arrived via ambulance, with an additional 1,000 being admitted to the hospital. The mobile X-Ray service is intended to decrease these figures and free up capacity for other patients at Derriford Hospital.