West Suffolk Hospital radiographer remembers when a Eastenders actor fund-raised for a CT scanner

A radiographer who started working at a Suffolk hospital in the 1980s has spoken about the significant changes he has seen in his field.

Nigel Beeton first walked through the doors of West Suffolk Hospital, in Bury St Edmunds, in 1983.

At this time the hospital had six X-ray machines and a few basic ultrasound machines - the only screening was done antenatally.

Mr Beeton said: “By the late 1980s it was clear we needed a CT scanner, but there was no funding to buy one, so we set about raising £750,000.”

Actor Bill Treacher, known for playing Arthur Fowler in Eastenders, chaired the campaign which was supported by other local celebrities.

The CT scanner was bought, with an MRI scanner arriving at the hospital in the late 1990s.

“We now have wonderful pieces of technology being used to improve patients’ health.” said Mr Beeton.

“At the same time, we will always need to reassure patients.”

Mr Beeton, who was WSFT’s manager of imaging services for decades, featured in a video shown at its annual members’ meeting on Tuesday.