HOSPITAL bosses will be asked to approve a new £1.4m X-ray machine at the city’s John Radcliffe Hospital, after there were concerns poor image quality of the existing machine could lead to people being misdiagnosed.

The board of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust will be asked to back the spending on a replacement fluoroscopy machine.

Director of clinical services Paul Brennan said it is 11 years old but the Royal College of Radiologists recommend replacing the machine every seven to 10 years. It uses X-rays to review real-time moving images of the internal structures of the body.

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In a report to the board, he said: “The age of the equipment is resulting in an unacceptable image quality and scarcity of spare parts.

“The existing machine is cumbersome and newer models would improve the room ergonomics, making it easier and safer for both patients and staff to use.”

The machine is used on about 2,000 patients a year at the JR to diagnose conditions like bowel obstruction and gastrointestinal issues.

Mr Brennan added: “Image quality is poor and at some magnifications, unacceptable. There is a significant risk that a misdiagnosis or missed pathology could occur.”

The new machine will cost from about £159,000 a year to maintain and suppliers guarantee spare parts will be available for up to seven years after its planned installation in May.

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