§ 30. Mr. Simon CoombsTo ask the Secretary of State for Health how many whole-body scanners are in use by the national health service at present; what was the number in 1979, 1983 and 1987; and what plans he has for additional scanners to be provided.
§ Mrs. Virginia BottomleyWhole-body scanners may refer to either computerised tomography or magnetic resonance machines. The number of whole-body scanners of both types available for use in the NHS in England, including special health authorities and NHS mobiles, was as follows: 145W
Number 1979 14 1983 45 1987 125 1991 236 My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has recently announced £15 million additional capital for the provision of whole-body scanners and other additional medical equipment. This will be the first phase of a three-year rolling programme to expand patient care in this important area.