Patients will not have to face long trips for x-rays after the purchase of a new machine at a Suffolk community hospital.

Sandra Chandler, from Tunstall, near Woodbridge, was the first patient to use the piece of equipment at Aldeburgh Hospital in its new x-ray room, which has been fundraised through generous donations.

Without it, she would have faced a 30-minute, 28-mile round trip to Ipswich Hospital to have an x-ray on her pelvis.

East Anglian Daily Times: Patient Sandra Chandler would have had to travel 30 minutes to Ipswich Hospital if the machine had not been installed.Patient Sandra Chandler would have had to travel 30 minutes to Ipswich Hospital if the machine had not been installed. (Image: ESNEFT)

She said: "I’m so glad I’ve been able to come here.

“It means I don’t have to travel all the way to Ipswich, saving time and money. It is so convenient.”

The £320,000 x-ray suite was created by ESNEFT, the trust that runs the hospital, following a gift to the Colchester & Ipswich Hospitals Charity from the Aldeburgh Hospital League of Friends.

It replaces the hospital's original machine which is now around 20 years old. 

The new machine uses the latest digital technology and has replaced an aging machine which was at the end of its life.

Tony Bone, president of Aldeburgh Hospital League of Friends, said: “The League of Friends is very pleased to be able to fund this replacement of the Xray machine at Aldeburgh Hospital, having funded the original machine over 20 years ago.  Having diagnostic testing close to the community makes a huge difference and avoids trips of 20 miles or more into Ipswich.” 

East Anglian Daily Times: Sandra Chandler would have had to travel 30 minutes to Ipswich Hospital if the machine had not been installed.Sandra Chandler would have had to travel 30 minutes to Ipswich Hospital if the machine had not been installed. (Image: ESNEFT)

Mair Dawson, chair of the League of Friends, thanked the group's generous supporters to ensure the hospital can be "up-to-date and state-of-the-art". 

Karen Lough, director of operations at ESNEFT, said: “We are delighted with the new x-ray machine, which will make a big difference to local people and help us further improve the care we are able to provide.”

Mandy Jordan, associate director for charities and voluntary services with ESNEFT, added: “We would like to say a big thank you to the League of Friends for their generosity.

"Their kindness will make a big difference to local people by helping make sure they can benefit from the latest technology close to home.”