A new CT scanner has been unveiled at an East London hospital.

Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust unveiled a new CT scanner at an opening ceremony at King George Hospital in Ilford on Friday, April 5.

Ilford South MP Mike Gapes cut the ribbon and spoke about the hospital's place in the community.

He said: "Firstly, I’d like to thank the staff for everything you do. I know you are under huge pressure. The NHS is all about people and you are all an essential part of that.

"I’m also particularly pleased to open equipment which will be used in the scanning of patients’ hearts, given my own medical history. I’ve had a ruptured aneurysm which I survived and I know that was only because of the NHS. I understand how important good equipment is for patients.

"It’s also good to have the new scanner at King George Hospital. This hospital is staying and people need to recognise that and focus on improving the NHS. Having adequate primary care and diagnostics all play a role in that."

The trust’s Chairman Joe Fielder said: "I’m delighted to be here at the opening of this new scanner.

"This equipment, along with replacing our existing cardiac cath lab, which provides cardiac catheter angiograms and pacemakers, and a new x-ray machine, represents an investment in King George Hospital of over £3m. So it’s great to see the smiles on the faces of so many of our staff as we continue to invest in our hospital."

Last week the trust, local politicians and commissioners signed a statement to declare that there will continue to be an Emergency Department at King George Hospital.

The new scanner uses a reduced dose of radiation, without impacting the quality of images and works faster than the trust’s previous model allowing Radiology staff to scan patients more quickly meaning that more people can be scanned in less time.

The room in the Radiology department where the scanner is located has been completely refurbished to create a calming and relaxed atmosphere for patients, complete with decorated sky ceiling panels to make them feel as if they are looking up at the sky during their scan.

Additionally, the scanner has special cardiac capabilities which will allow patients to be scanned closer to home rather than needing to travel further afield.a