Macclesfield Hospital is set to install a second CT scanner with £500,000 in Coronavirus response funding.

The East Cheshire NHS Trust said the investment has been vital in delivering the imaging needs of the local population, enabling the hospital to dedicate one scanner to suspected or positive COVID-19 patients, and a separate scanner to routine and urgent patients.

Rachael France, CT Lead Radiographer said: "COVID-19 has had a profound impact on radiology provision. With the addition of a second CT scanner, we have been able to image Covid-19 positive patients as safely as possible, whilst also maintaining our outpatient work and providing time-sensitive examinations for both the wards and ED patients.

"Not only has the arrival of the second CT scanner ensured the radiology department can return to its normal capacity, it also allows for the continuation of on-site cover when the CT scanners require servicing or encounter technical faults."

John Dillon, Diagnostic Services Manager at East Cheshire NHS Trusts said: "Diagnostics is a vital part of all patient pathways including suspected and confirmed Covid-19 cases, with the majority of patients who are admitted to hospital requiring imaging.

Mr Dillon said the influx of Coronavirus patients put pressure on the department and the new equipment will help ease this.

He added: "We're currently in the process of recruiting new staff to maximise the capacity of the scanner in preparation for the usual pressures of the winter months."