Council offers X-ray machine help

Efforts to return X-ray facilities to Hinckley moved a step closer after the Borough Council offered its help.

The move came after representatives of West Leicestershire CCG were invited to attend a meeting of the Borough Council’s Scrutiny Commission last week (3 October) so that the removal of the equipment from Hinckley Hospital could be discussed.

Councillors expressed their concerns about its loss and particularly the fact that local residents are now forced to travel to Coalville or into Leicester City for this key service.

One suggestion made during the meeting was that the council could loan the CCG the funds for providing a new X-ray facility at the district hospital. This would be in advance of the multi million pound investment commitment made by the NHS, which the council understands is subject to passing the relevant business case stages.

An alternative suggestion made by the CCG representatives during the meeting was that the council purchase the new equipment and lease it back to the CCG if a loan arrangement was not feasible.

Councillors supported both suggestions and now the Leader of the Borough Council Stuart Bray has written to the CCG setting out these options and formally offering the Borough Council’s help.

Councillor Stuart Bray said:

This is a key facility for local residents that we are keen to reinstate. We appreciate the financial restrictions facing the CCG and we are determined to work with them to find a timely solution that sees an x-ray facility returned to Hinckley as soon as possible.