WAITING times for treatment at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital are now among the lowest in the country - thanks to new scanners purchased by the Daily Echo backed Jigsaw appeal.

Instead of having to wait six months for a DEXA scan to measure bone loss (osteoporosis), patients with non-urgent conditions are scanned in just two to three weeks.

The waiting time for MRI scans has been dramatically reduced from six months to three to four weeks and CT scan waits have been sliced from three months to a fortnight.

Ultrasound scan waiting times have been cut from 21 weeks, in September last year, to three weeks.

Radiology general manager Ian Whitehead said: "The Jigsaw appeal has allowed the Trust to purchase the most up-to-date equipment which has kept us at the forefront of technology.

"Reduced waiting times for scans benefit in-patients because it means shorter hospital stays and quicker treatment."

The Jigsaw appeal has already raised £1.4 million. By June next year fund-raisers are hoping to have reached their £2.5million target.

Co-ordinator Diana Newbury said: "The Jigsaw appeal has received tremendous support from the local community.

"New scanners have helped cut waiting times for the treatment of a wide range of diseases and injuries, making waiting times among the lowest in the country.

"There is still a lot of work to be done to raise a further £1 million but we are confident we will complete the project."

Diana urged clubs, organisations and members of the public to pledge their support, as well as local businesses who can become corporate supporters.

Planned fund-raising events include The Spirit of Ascot Ladies' Day at Somerley, Ringwood, on June 8, and a golf tournament at Ferndown Forest Golf Club on June 17.

If you would like to support the worthy cause phone the Jigsaw office on 01202 704060.

First published: May 10