NEW scanning equipment is helping to improve patient care on the coronary care unit at Torbay Hospital after a generous donation of £8,500 from the hospital’s League of Friends.

The donation meant the unit could purchase a portable bladder ultrasound scanner for the ward which is now being used by staff to provide safe and reliable imagery. The scanner is a key diagnostic device which can help identify patients with acute urinary retention more quickly.

The coronary care unit at Torbay Hospital treats patients who are admitted to hospital with serious heart conditions who often suffer from urine retention. Acute urinary retention can be a medical emergency and so early diagnosis and treatment is vital.

 Sam Elleray, Ward Manager, said: “We are very grateful to the League of Friends for this donation. The new scanner will make a huge difference to the way we work and will significantly improve the experience we are able to provide to our patients.”