A free, national rapid response community-based x-ray service for older patients in nursing homes, community facilities and patients’ homes is to be expanded by the HSE.

The expansion of the service follows a successful pilot project and means that patients can have x-rays taken in the nursing home or facility where they reside instead of having to attend hospital.

The service is currently running in Dublin, Wicklow, Meath, Kildare, Louth, Cork, Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary and since August is offered in South Tipperary, Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford and Wexford. It will be available nationwide in 2024 with Galway and the North West next in line to benefit from the service.

What this mobile x-ray service provides:

• All types of x-ray examinations including chest, hip/pelvis, knee, wrist and shoulder
• If an older patient has a fall, or requires a chest x-ray, the diagnostic team will arrive on-site
• An x-ray examination will take place in their own room and a report is shared with the referring doctor within four hours
• Some 83% of nursing homes in Dublin, Cork and Limerick have used the service
• Referrals to the service are triaged in conjunction with the nursing home and GP to ensure timely diagnosis and treatment.

Minister for Health Stephen Donnelly said this development will be especially beneficial for frailer members of society for whom travelling for an x-ray can be difficult.