Patients who receive care at King’s Mill Hospital’s Same Day Emergency Care (SDEC) Unit will receive quicker tests and diagnoses, thanks to a new ultrasound machine.

Those with suspected deep vein thrombosis will be among people set to benefit from the £41,500 machine, which was bought for the Sutton hospital by Sherwood Forest Hospitals Charity thanks to a legacy donation.

The purpose-built SDEC unit reduces hospital admissions by providing diagnostic tests, treatment, and care without the need for an overnight stay in a hospital bed.

Until now, patients in the unit who needed an ultrasound scan had to wait for availability in the X-ray department or while equipment was sourced from other areas of the hospital.

The machine will result in faster tests and diagnoses, increasing flow through the department and reducing the number of patients who receive unnecessary medication, for example to prevent blood clotting. It will also improve access to scans for inpatients because fewer SDEC patients will need to visit the X-ray department.

Dr Carlos Maltez, head of service, Acute Medicine, said: “We are very grateful to Sherwood Forest Hospitals Charity for providing this ultrasound machine, which will enable timely scans to be carried out by the medical team in SDEC, resulting in improved patient care and experience.”

Also pictured with Carlos are matron Denise Wharmby, consultant Nicola Fischer-Orr; Richard Clegg, Sonosite Clinical Applications Specialist; Rich Mills, chief financial officer; operations manager Pam Duro; and lead nurse Dan Exell.