Guy Henry, star of Holby City, who made his first appearance on stage at the age of 11 with Highcliffe Charity Players, has cut the ribbon of two new scanners at Poole Hospital.

The new machines are housed in the nuclear medicine department and allow for fusion imaging, meaning the images can be overlaid or viewed together to give a better picture than both images being looked at separately. They will help clinicians treat a range of patients from across the whole of Dorset dealing with a variety of issues, such as cancer or heart related problems.

The style of scanning is faster, uses smaller radiation doses and produces more accurate diagnostic information. Since the installation, the speed of cardiac imaging has already improved.

Dr Kat Dixon, head of nuclear medicine, said: “As a team we are so excited to learn how to use these machines to their full potential and take on new projects. We named the machines after Marie and Pierre Curie for their pioneering work in nuclear medicine and we are so proud that we are improving our service to our patients.

“I’d also like to thank our team for working so flexibly during almost a year of building works to house the scanners and for ensuring we were still able to run a full clinical service and keep our waiting lists under control.”

Poole Hospital Cancer Treatment Trust kindly donated £500,000 to the machines, with the remaining funds provided by NHS Improvement.

Guy, patron of the Poole Hospital Cancer Treatment Trust, added: “I know from personal experience how important these machines are in helping patients get the best care and the earliest diagnosis. I am very proud to cut the ribbon knowing the great work this department will do.”