A groundbreaking contract worth over £12 million will provide Airedale NHS Trust with the latest high-tech X-ray equipment.

Siemens Healthcare Systems is to supply and manage the equipment at the trust's hospitals, and at Keighley Health Centre, for the next 15 years.

The contract -- signed this week -- is the first of its kind nationally under the Government's Private Finance Initiative (PFI).

Previous PFI deals concerning the provision and management of X-ray machines and other equipment have all been linked with new -- rather than existing -- hospital developments.

The replacement of X-ray equipment is an integral part of Airedale NHS Trust's programme to modernise diagnostic facilities.

Plans include the installation of an MRI scanner which, together with extensive refurbishment of accommodation, will provide improved facilities for cancer services.

Under the terms of the contract, Siemens will ensure equipment is replaced and upgraded during a 15-year period to keep pace with technology.

John Sutcliffe, planning manager with Airedale NHS Trust, said: "The contract is valued in excess of £12 million over the life of the project and by comparison with a publicly funded replacement programme it demonstrates -- as it must under the PFI -- excellent value for money.

"We and the people of Airedale can now look forward to, and reap the benefits of, having some of the most up to date diagnostic X-ray equipment available."

He added: "I am absolutely delighted that the contract has now been signed and we will start to see new equipment come in. This guarantees that we will keep right up to date with technology over the next 15 years."

In addition to Airedale Hospital and Keighley Health Centre, the trust also has X-ray equipment at Skipton General Hospital and at the Coronation in Ilkley.