A new walk-in X-ray service has opened at Congleton War Memorial Hospital.

Patients in East Cheshire will be able to benefit from easier access to diagnostic imaging thanks to the new service at the hospital's Community Diagnostic Centre.

Available from Monday, January 5, the walk-in X-ray service will provide 'greater convenience and help to reduce waiting times', say the East Cheshire NHS Trust.

The trust's website adds: "The new facility means patients referred for a plain film X-ray by their GP or hospital outpatient clinic can attend without an appointment.

"Once a referral has been made, patients may visit the centre within one calendar month of the referral date. They should bring their referral form with them and will be seen in order of arrival."

The new service will operate Monday to Friday, from 9am to 12pm and then again from 1pm to 4.30pm.

The development is part of East Cheshire NHS Trust's commitment to improving patient access to diagnostic services and enhancing the overall patient experience.