West Berkshire Community Hospital given green light for new scanners by West Berkshire Council

West Berkshire Community Hospital has been given the go ahead to build a new MRI scanning unit.

It will also build a new CT scanner at the Rookes Way, Thatcham site after getting planning permission from West Berkshire Council.

It has also been allowed to upgrade parking facilities with more hard standing areas providing eight additional spaces.

The move has been welcomed by Berkshire West Clinical Commissioning Group, which says the proposal will see additional diagnostic capability brought to West Berkshire.

“The proposed scanning facility will increase diagnostic capability by delivering additional and permanent PETCT and MRI scanning facilities which are essential in detecting cases of cancer, dementia and other illnesses, in addition to help plan for future treatments,” said Jo Reeves, Newbury locality manager.

“The NHS Long Term Plan aims to ensure earlier diagnosis of health conditions and the new facility will ensure patients are able to access these essential scans closer to where they live, providing benefits to the local community and patients’ wellbeing.”