A NORTH Yorkshire hospital has become the first in the UK to use a pioneering digital X-ray machine to treat orthopaedic patients who are undergoing surgery.

The portable OrthoScan C-arm device, which has been introduced at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton, allows surgeons to scan patients’ hands or feet during an operation without the need for a radiographer to be present.

The equipment has been provided by the Friends of the Friarage Hospital through profits from their hospital shop. Orthopaedic surgeon Sanjay Miranda said: “The new equipment will help to make theatre processes more efficient and improve the service for our patients.”