A NEW £2.238 million medical unit in Bolton is set to benefit hundreds of patients seeking a timely diagnosis for cancer.

The endoscopy unit has opened at the Royal Bolton Hospital to test more people for bowel and other gastrointestinal cancers.

Dr George Lipscomb, consultant gastroenterologist, said: “We will be able to see around 1,100 more patients a year, which is really positive news. At the same time we will be able to reduce waits and keep our accreditation as a bowel cancer screening centre.”

The new unit now has four examination rooms, and is located on the first floor in the former restaurant, which was moved and refurbished. An additional spend of £948,977 has provided extra staff with new medical equipment. With the introduction of bowel scope, a one off procedure for everyone on their 55th birthday and the national bowel cancer screening programme there is an increased demand for scoping.