The four-month trial of the Emergency Community X-Ray Service saw an advanced paramedic practitioner (APP) from the Chertsey ambulance station and a radiographer from St Peter's Hospital review 999 calls and crew referrals to attend patients who would suit the project's community service criteria, often incidents involving a fall.

The X-ray equipment from Fuji is very compact, consisting of a backpack and carry case, allowing the mobile team to take it wherever needed. Although small, the kit delivers high-quality results. The mobile images are immediately sent to St Peter's Hospital and are examined by a reporting radiographer in the same process as all other X-rays.

Of the 38 patients seen, 25 were able to stay at home, with 21 patients shown to have no fracture and four having a fracture that could be treated conservatively and did not require hospital treatment. In addition, 34.5 hours of ambulance use were saved during the pilot trial. 

Andrew Moth, consultant radiographer and co-creator of the project, said: ‘It's not a lesser service in any way. The image quality of the X-ray is very good. Patient experience has been high with 100% of patients saying they were happy to have the X-ray at home.'

James Fern, practice development lead at Chertsey, who helped co-create the community scheme, added: ‘Being treated in the community helps reduce patient anxiety and avoids the risks associated with hospital admission, whilst receiving the same care.'

Moth added: "It is a great example of professions working together to provide a cost-effective service which significantly benefits our most vulnerable patients.'

The success of the pilot scheme means the Emergency Community X-Ray Service is now being expanded to five days a week from February until the end of May.