Harry Redknapp unveils Swanage Hospital’s new radiology department

26th September 2019

‘King of the jungle’ and former premier league manager Harry Redknapp was the guest of honour at the grand opening of the refurbished radiology department at Swanage Hospital.

The ‘I’m a Celebrity’ winner officially opened the £500,000 unit before chatting with staff and patients, and enjoying a tour of the Dorset HealthCare-run hospital.

The new-look department now boasts a state-of-the-art digital x-ray room, providing high resolution images more quickly, reduced waiting times and increasing patient turnover.

There is also an improved patient waiting area with a dedicated reception, an integrated changing cubicle with direct access from the waiting area into the x-ray room, and a refurbished ultrasound suite with an en-suite and changing facility.

Harry said: “It’s been a great pleasure to open the new department. This community hospital is vital for local people that live around the Purbeck area and it’s fantastic they now have this cutting-edge equipment.”

Staff past and present also attended the event and enjoyed tea and cake after they were taken on a tour of the new unit.

Hospital Matron Donna Kiss said: “This is fantastic news for those that rely on our services in the Purbeck area. Our radiology department has a long history of providing high quality care to the local community, seeing around 50-60 patients a week.

“For staff these improvements will improve both efficiency and the working environment, enabling us to provide an improved experience and surroundings for patients, alongside meeting future demands and developments.”

Working with the Trust to create the improved radiology department for patients were construction partners, Stepnell and Modus, along with the suppliers of the equipment, Carestream Health.

Swanage Hospital is one of 12 community hospitals run by Dorset HealthCare. It has 15 in-patient beds, a minor injuries unit, x-ray and ultrasound, day surgery, endoscopy services and physiotherapy. Our out-patients department is supported by consultants from Poole General, Royal Bournemouth and Dorchester County Hospitals.

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