The new Canvey X-Ray is finally here! 

The X-Ray machine is finally re-opening, I know many residents have been eagerly waiting for this news. I've been urging the NHS teams to get this up and running as quickly as possible and I was pleased to be shown the completed work today. 

Along with the other new additional services being offered at the Canvey Primary Centre- it will make a huge difference to people right across the Borough accessing these vital services, reducing waiting times, allowing more tests to take place and most importantly all happening closer to home.

Rebecca's July 2023

Sept 2022

Rebecca has been fighting for the new X-Ray machine for Canvey Island, Rebecca was very concerned about the length of time the replacement X-Ray machine was taking to be installed. Rebecca has been in regular contact with the local NHS providers and was told in May 2022 that this new machine would be up and running by this summer. Since then Rebecca was very disappointed to learn that this timetable has been subjected to further delays due to third-party contractors. Rebecca has written again to the NHS Mid and South Essex Trust Chief Executive to express how much this is affecting local residents and urged them to expedite the progress in any way they can.

FAQ's

Why can’t the current x-ray be fixed?

The current x-ray is beyond the end of its life and the manufacturer no longer makes parts that would enable us to repair it.

 

Why can’t a temporary solution be put in place?

The residents of Canvey are able to access x-ray services at both Basildon and Southend Hospitals as well as in a number of community settings.

 

What help is there is travel to Southend/Basildon Hospital?

Benefits accepted - if you are on any of these benefits then the hospital can help you with your travel expenses to and from the hospital for your appointments;

• Income Support
• Universal Credit
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• Income-Based Job Seekers Allowance
• Working Tax Credit
• Pension Guarantee Credit
• HC2 or HC3 (part payment) form

Please note: NHS Medical Exemption cards are only for free prescriptions these cards are not valid for payment of travel costs.

To reclaim your travel expenses you must produce a letter from the benefits office dated within the last year stating that you are in receipt of benefit, they can also accept a valid tax credit card if you have one. You will also be required to show evidence of your appointment, please bring with you your appointment letter/clinic card, as they need to verify the attendance and we may not be able to make payments without this. Benefits that are not accepted: Disability Living Allowance, Incapacity Allowance, Carer's Allowance, Housing Benefits/Council Tax, Free School Dinner entitlement letters, Maternity/Prescription Exemption Cards, Bank Statements)

What am I entitled to claim back?

Private mileage and car parking: This is calculated by using the AA route master. We use the Hospitals postcode and the home postcode that you are registered with. You will receive 15p a mile. If you can produce a car parking ticket we will reimburse £3.10 for your parking. If you are more than 3 hours we can pay for your parking by receiving a receipt that is obtainable from the car park pay machine when you pay for your parking.

Bus and Train tickets: They will reimburse you for your bus and/or train fare if you show us your tickets. They can only pay for the patient who has the appointment.

Taxi: They do not pay for Taxi travel unless you have a letter from your GP stating that you cannot travel to the hospital by public transport.

How do I claim? Please claim at Customer Services between 09.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday. Please bring your bus, train or parking ticket and your appointment card plus proof of entitlement. All payments are to be claimed on the day from Customer Services; any backdated claims for up to 3 months can be claimed by filling out an HC5 form and posted with any receipts/tickets to the address given on the form. If you have not bought with you your proof of benefits or cannot prove that you have had an appointment with us then they will not be able to pay any money out. Under these circumstances, you can complete an HC5 form (as above).

Patient Transport:  You may be entitled to patient transport phone 0300 0134 997 to find out if you are eligible.

 

Why can’t the hospital put a new x-ray in the existing building?

With plans afoot to move to the new Paddocks Primary Care Centre it would not be a good use of taxpayers' funds to put a new x-ray in an old building that would then need to be decommissioned and moved to a new building in 12-18 months’ time, with additional funds than required.

 

What effect will putting an x-ray in have on the other services in the Paddocks Primary Care Centre?

The installation of an x-ray is not expected to displace any existing services from The Paddocks as the building has space available to house the new X-Ray room already.

 

Why is it going to take so long?

These things take time to plan. However, the primary drivers of the length of time are firming up the plans to move hospital services into The Paddocks and the associated legal checks that would go with that, coupled with the availability and lead time of ordering the machinery, planning the works to make sure the room is of sufficient specification, and prioritisation against other projects in the hospital’s plans (such as new x-ray and CT scanners on the main hospital site, building the new Cherry Tree Wing of the hospital, and upgrading the mortuary and oxygen flow).