Cancer services for people in south Essex can match the best anywhere in the country, a top consultant believes.

Alan Lamont, cancer specialist at Southend Hospital, today welcomed news that Basildon Hospital is to get its own MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scanner.

It will mean shorter waiting lists in south Essex and less travelling for patients. Despite working double time, the existing Southend-based equipment has been unable to keep up with the growing demand for scans from GPs.

Southend Hospital was designated a cancer centre two years ago and Basildon Hospital has cancer unit status for breast and colorectal services.

But Mr Lamont said: "As parts of the country go, you would be unlikely to get better treatment for cancer anywhere else. We can match the best that is available elsewhere in the country with our equipment - but everything is at a stretch."

Southend Hospital boasts a whole armoury of equipment for detecting and treating the disease.

On top of the MRI scanner - bought four years ago following an Echo appeal - it is also about to get a new spiral CT scanner - faster than the one it replaces which is "reaching the end of its useful life".

Community leaders have enthusiastically welcomed the announcement of the scanner for Basildon Hospital.

David Fowler, MRI and CT scanning manager at Southend Hospital, said: "In an area of the size of south Essex there should be about three scanners and this announcement will affect waiting lists.

"Currently we have 24- week waiting lists at both the Basildon and Southend sites and with this extra scanner we should be able to fit in urgent cases with less pressure.

"It is very good news for all the staff involved."

Angela Smith, Basildon MP, said the scanner would continue to raise the standard of services in south Essex.

She said: "This is very good news. It is recognition of the work being done by the hospital and is another improvement for the people of Basildon and Thurrock."

Mark Ham, chief officer for Basildon Community Health Council, also supported the announcement as welcome news for the future development of Basildon Hospital.

He said: "It does fill a need in the area and is another improvement to health care provision for the people of south Essex."

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