Sam Tarry, MP for Ilford South, and Wes Streeting, MP for Ilford North, visited King George Hospital (KGH) on Friday 1 October to see our expanded Radiology department and officially cut the ribbon on our new CT scanner.

On their visit, Sam and Wes enjoyed a close up look at our enhanced Radiology suite, which includes a brand new CT scanner, an upgraded MRI machine, and two new ultrasound rooms.

The two Ilford MPs also spent time speaking with our ‘brilliant and dedicated’ Radiology staff, who explained how this investment will be crucial in our efforts to reduce diagnostic waiting times, improve patient experience and strengthen our resilience, as we tackle the backlog of appointments.

At KGH, we’ve increased the number of CT scanners from one to two and we’re replacing our two MRIs with faster and better state-of-the-art machines. The first MRI has recently been upgraded and the second will be replaced in the new year, with a brand new 3T MRI machine. The new ultrasound rooms will allow us to complete up to 150 additional ultrasound scans each week.

Speaking after the visit, Wes Streeting said: “Having been a direct beneficiary of these services following my kidney cancer diagnosis earlier this year, it’s fantastic to see how patients visiting King George Hospital will massively benefit from the upgraded Radiology department.

“I want to reassure local residents that services at King George Hospital are improving all the time. I’d also like to say a massive thanks to the brilliant staff.”

Echoing Wes’ comments, Sam Tarry said: “This additional radiology capacity will see patients treated more quickly and it’s brilliant to see services being expanded and improved.

“I’ve really enjoyed the visit and the opportunity to cut the ribbon for the new CT scanner. It’s positive to come to King George Hospital and see improvements that will benefit the local community.

“It’s also been fantastic to meet dedicated members of the Radiology team, who I must thank for all of their hard work.”

The improvements to our Radiology department are part of our continued investment at King George Hospital, which also includes the upgrade of our Emergency Department and Critical Care Unit.