Malton Hospital patients will be spared long journeys and waiting times for treatment thanks to £200k of new X-ray equipment.

Replacing old machinery with modern scanning technology will allow residents to be cared for close to home, rather than Scarborough or York.

The donation of the gear by the League of Friends of Malton Hospital means staff will have much better quality images on which to base a diagnosis.

Jezz Kipling, who chairs the League of Friends, said: “The current equipment is 23 years old so it will be of real value to the people of Malton that they can receive the most up to date treatment without having to travel to Scarborough or York.

“The support has been phenomenal and helped us raise essential money for equipment for the hospital which we hope will serve our community for many years to come."

Chief Executive of York Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Patrick Crowley said: "People are passionate about their local healthcare and this is fantastic news for patients in the Ryedale area.

"The new technology will allow a full range of radiographic imaging and will reduce the time it takes for patients to have an X-ray.

"It will mean a better, more reliable service all round as well as better outcomes for patients and signals a positive future for the hospital.”