THE Royal Bournemouth Hospital is planning an expansion to house a new CT scanner.

The Trust currently has two at its disposal, but plans to obtain a third which will be sited in the existing scanner department.

Diagnostic CT scanners provide detailed 3D images of cross-sections of the body, allowing doctors to investigate illnesses without intrusive procedures.

The move comes as the Trust has been named the preferred site for a new major emergency centre in Dorset in the NHS Dorset Clinical Commissioning Group's Clinical Services Review.

A spokesman said: "We are seeking permission for a new CT scanner to be sited in a modular construction at RBH.

"This latest model will be used to focus on our emergency care patients which will help reduce time to scan for patients arriving at RBH.

"This will obviously help improve outcomes for our patients as timing is often so important.

"We have funding for this from our stroke charity as this will particularly benefit patients who have had a stroke.

"We will also have funding from the Bournemouth Health Trust which has raised funds through private treatments at RBH."

The plans for the extension have been submitted to Bournemouth council.