A new high-tech scanner is to be installed at King’s Mill Hospital, Sutton, thanks to the success of a two-year fundraising appeal.

Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust, which runs the hospital, said it was delighted to announce that the Gamma Scanner Appeal has raised enough funds — almost £500,000 — to buy the scanner.

The new piece of life-changing technology will be used by the nuclear medicine department at King’s Mill and will enable patients to receive a quicker, more detailed diagnosis and start treatment sooner.

Shirley Higginbotham, director of corporate affairs, said: “We are incredibly thrilled to announce that because of the efforts of our colleagues, volunteers, local community and patients, we are now able to purchase the scanner.

“We are incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported, volunteered, donated and fundraised for our appeal over the last two years. Your donations will enable quicker diagnosis and treatment for cancer and other life-changing diseases for our patients.

“Thank you for your generosity and for everything that you have done, individually and collaboratively to support Sherwood Forest Hospitals to deliver outstanding care to our patients and local community.”

New technology in the scanner allows patients to have two scans at once, cutting down on additional hospital appointments and scans — allowing King’s Mill to scan more patients.

Thanks to the support of the regional procurement network, Sherwood Forest Hospitals has bought the state-of-the-art scanner for £485,000 — £65,000 less than originally appealed for in 2018.

A total of £490,000 was raised and the extra £5,000 will be used to support staff training and provide enhancements to the unit.

The new sophisticated scanner will enable more than 2,000 patients each year to have advanced scans, which will be able to speed up the diagnosis of diseases like cancer with greater accuracy, and will revolutionise how patients are treated.

The money raised for the appeal has been generated by numerous voluntary and charity groups in the community, patients and their families and friends, NHS colleagues, volunteers and public donations.

It also includes a £296,000 donation from King’s Mill Hospital volunteers from profits made by the Daffodil Café, ward trolley services and fundraising stalls and events.