THOUSANDS of York patients are set to benefit from a new high-tech scanner which is being installed at York Hospital.

York Health Services NHS Trust is receiving a second "state of the art" CT scanner - a machine which plays a key part in the diagnosis of cancer and monitoring the progress of treatment - as part of a new Department of Health initiative to modernise cancer services up and down the country.

Health Secretary Alan Milburn yesterday announced a £165 million investment programme to provide the NHS with the most up-to-date equipment for diagnosing and treating the disease.

Nigel Marsh, radiology services manager with the trust, said he was delighted by the news. "The additional scanner is critical in providing the trust with the capacity for the increasing numbers of patients requiring a CT investigation.

"The scanner will help deliver cancer services that meet the targets set by the NHS Cancer Plan."

York already has a CT scanner, used by 8,500 patients every year. As a result of the new investment, the trust says many more patients in York and North Yorkshire will benefit from faster diagnosis and the most appropriate treatment for their specific cancer.

Mr Marsh said: "The new scanner is funded by Government money to improve cancer services, but its use will be much broader. It will help us to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions."

Updated: 10:17 Friday, May 23, 2003