X-RAY films will soon be replaced with digital images that will be stored on an electronic archive system at Basingstoke hospital.
Bringing the X-ray system into the 21st century is going to cost £9.8million.
Digital X-rays and images from CT and MRI scanners and ultrasound machines can now be stored on one central computer, under the new Picture Archiving and Communications System (PACS).
Eventually, medical photographs and cardiac scans will also be stored on the system.
These images will then be able to be viewed on computer screens anywhere in the hospital.
Consultant radiologist David Bailey, from Basingstoke hospital, said: "This is excellent news for all clinical staff and equally excellent news for our patients.
"The core benefit of PACS is that we will be able to increase the capacity of diagnostic services and enable much faster test results and diagnoses.
"It will reduce such problems as retesting due to loss of film and, therefore, a reduction in radiation dose and the possibility of quicker discharge from hospital."
The system is being paid for by the Strategic Health Authority and the Government, as well as by the hospital.
It is expected to be fully up and running by April 2006.
First published: Thursday, July 14, 2005
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