Patients are set to benefit from the introduction of a new computer system which will revolutionise the way scan results and x-rays are viewed by doctors.

Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust is in the process of installing a new picture archiving and communications system (PACS) which will enable staff to view results electronically no matter where they are.

Twelve new computed radiography systems have already been installed in the radiology departments at Bradford Royal Infirmary and St Luke's Hospital, A&E, theatres, the intensive care unit, the neonatal unit and Shipley Hospital.

When the system is fully installed it means all images will be saved electronically and will be immediately available to anyone who needs to see them, anywhere in the hospitals.

Consultant radiologist for the foundation trust, Dr Jonathan Barber said: "This first step will allow us to convert conventional x-ray images into an electronic format, which will be fed into the PACS system later in the year.

"Once this is completed we will concentrate on connecting the other models such as MRI, CT scan and ultrasounds to the network and starting the work to enable us to remotely view images.

"This system will bring about fundamental changes to the operation of some clinical areas that will be of immense benefit to clinicians and patients."

Imaging clinical director, Dr LeeAnne Elliot said: "This new system will revolutionise the way imaging is viewed throughout the foundation trust.

"Clinicians and nursing staff will be able to view patients' imaging on the wards, in the outpatient clinics and in the operating theatres on computer screens, whenever they need to."

The full PACS will be available from the autumn and next year it will be linked to a central data store for north east England which will allow images to be shared across Yorkshire and Northumberland.