THIS is the new lifesaving equipment set to benefit hundreds of Dorset patients thanks to a £28,500 donation.

The new ultrasound system is now installed in the emergency department of Royal Bournemouth Hospital following a cash boost from the League of Friends charity.

The SonoSite Edge II ultrasound system, which replaces the original system bought in 2007, is being used to aid quick diagnosis in emergencies and help hospital clinicians make lifesaving decisions.

Consultant in emergency medicine Dr Peter Swallow said the new machine will be a huge benefit to many of the hospital’s emergency patients.

He said: “Technology has advanced massively since the League of Friends funded the first ultrasound system and the images produced on more modern equipment are now much clearer.

“The new ultrasound system will allow us to rapidly diagnose and treat a multitude of life-threatening emergency conditions, ranging from intra-abdominal bleeding to heart conditions. The equipment will also allow us to accurately perform emergency procedures.

“We are very grateful for the ongoing support of the League of Friends in enabling us to deliver high-quality, timely emergency care.”

Chair of the League of Friends Rosie Havers said: “Our members have a great sense of satisfaction in knowing this new piece of equipment will help patients receive quicker and improved treatment.

“We are always looking for new ways we can support the hospital and thank everyone who has supported us.”

An ultrasound machine is a device that uses high-frequency sound waves to create images of the inside of the body. It does not use radiation and is also referred to as a sonogram, diagnostic sonography or ultrasonography.

Ultrasound scans can also be used to detect problems in the liver, heart, kidney or abdomen as well as being useful to surgeons performing certain types of biopsies.