Two new CT scanners are being installed at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn.

Eastern Daily Press: The temporary scanner at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn. Picture: Victoria FearThe temporary scanner at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn. Picture: Victoria Fear (Image: Archant)

The hospital will be replacing its existing scanners, which are 10-years-old and becoming unreliable as they are approaching the end of their working life.

Eastern Daily Press: Queen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn. Picture: Ian BurtQueen Elizabeth Hospital in King's Lynn. Picture: Ian Burt (Image: Archant © 2014)

While the renovation work is under way, patients will be having their scans in a temporary unit, which is located near the Breast Care Unit, from Monday.

The trailer, which was used in the London 2012 Olympics, and its brand new scanner were brought in by a 350 tonne crane on Sunday.

Chief executive Dorothy Hosein said: 'This hospital is committed to providing high quality patient care, so it is vital that our doctors have the best possible images while making a diagnosis or deciding a treatment plan.

'CT scanners play an important part in treating stroke and emergency patients which arrive daily at the hospital. Without this equipment, our patients would have to be diverted to other hospitals, which would be inappropriate when time is of the essence.

'This project will cost £1.2m but by supporting projects such as this, we are investing in the future of the hospital, along with ensuring the best possible treatment for our patients for years to come.'

CT Scans, which are also referred to as CAT Scans, take detailed images within the body using X-rays and computers.

The hospital's existing scanners are very well used and take around 18,000 studies a year, and demand for this service has risen over the years.

The new scanners harness the latest technology to capture indepth images. They are also able to provide quality images previously degraded by metal medical apparatus, such as hip replacements.

The existing scanners will be taken apart over the coming weeks before the rooms will be totally redecorated ahead of the installation of the new equipment.

Radiology consultant and clinical lead for radiology Dr Sarah Fleming says this is an important development for the department.

She said: 'At the end of this project we are going to have two fantastic scanners, which will last the hospital, and most importantly our patients, for the next decade. The new scanners will be able to improve diagnostics by offering greater capabilities than our previous units.'