Mobile X-ray scheme keeps patients out of hospital

An ambulance service says a pilot scheme offering emergency X-ray scans in patients' homes has kept dozens of people out of hospital.

A second trial of the Emergency Community X-ray Service, based at an ambulance station in Chertsey, Surrey, will run until May after an initial four-month trial in 2025.

The scheme, run by South East Coast Ambulance Service (Secamb) and Ashford and St Peter's Hospitals, will increase from two to five days a week.

Secamb said 25 of the 38 patients seen under the project were found not to require hospital treatment and could remain at home.

Consultant radiographer, community first responder and project co-creator Andrew Moth said it was "a revolutionary service".

Under the scheme, a paramedic and a radiographer monitor 999 calls and attend suitable incidents, typically falls.

The X-ray equipment, transported in one backpack and one carry case, takes scans that are then reviewed by a radiographer at the town's St Peter's Hospital.

Secamb's practice development lead at Chertsey, James Fern, said: "Being treated in the community helps reduce patient anxiety and avoids the risks associated with hospital admission, whilst receiving the same care."

The ambulance service said the initiative could provide cost savings if rolled out at other stations and hospitals in Surrey.

"It is a great example of professions working together to provide a cost-effective service which significantly benefits our most vulnerable patients," Fern, who co-founded the scheme, said.

He added that the X-rays had "very good" image quality and patients had been "happy to have the X-ray at home".

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