Following a period of disruption, the NHS University Hospitals Plymouth Trust has announced that an interim X-ray service will be operational by early August, providing much-needed diagnostic support for patients in the Tavistock area.
The disruption to the X-ray service had caused significant inconvenience, particularly with patients being redirected to Derriford Hospital in Plymouth. A spokesperson for the NHS University Hospitals Plymouth Trust acknowledged the impact, saying, "We are aware of and apologise for the disruption caused by the X-ray service at Tavistock Hospital being out of use, and we are working hard with teams to implement an interim X-ray service."
During the interim period, the Trust has taken proactive measures to ensure that patients referred by their GPs could still access X-ray services at other nearby facilities. "We have been able to offer X-ray appointments for all patients referred by their GPs at other sites and will continue to do so as needed. We would like to thank colleagues and patients for their patience, and we will issue an update when the service is in place," the spokesperson added.
Local MP Sir Geoffrey Cox has been closely monitoring the situation and expressed his satisfaction with the progress made. "I'm delighted to hear that, as promised, an interim X-ray service will be available at Tavistock Hospital. Ever since constituents raised their concerns with me, I've been keeping a close eye on developments. As well as the NHS team, I'd like to thank Councillor Debo Sellis for her work on this," Sir Geoffrey said.
The reinstatement of the X-ray service at Tavistock Hospital marks a significant step towards restoring full healthcare services in the area. It also underscores the importance of community advocacy and collaborative efforts between local representatives and healthcare providers. As the interim service begins, the community can look forward to improved access to vital diagnostic services, ensuring that patient care remains a top priority for Sir Geoffrey.
