A CAMPAIGN has been launched to raise money to buy a state-of-the-art CT scanner for the county.

Gloucestershire charity Cobalt has teamed up with Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to fundraise for a high-definition CT scanner which has the potential to revolutionise the diagnosis and initial treatment of cardiac, stroke and oncology patients across the county.

The scanner would enable the trust to provide a new service for patients, including detailed heart scans, which patients currently have to travel out of the county for.

Cobalt is calling for support from the community; individuals, companies and their staff, schools, organisations and groups. "Cobalt, its supporters and volunteers have worked tirelessly over many years to provide the very latest in medical imaging technology for patients," said Cobalt CEO Peter Sharpe.

"This new £1 million scanner will not only enable doctors to view 3D detailed images of the heart and coronary arteries to identify heart disease, but it will also be a vital diagnostic tool for patients with cancer or suspected of having cancer and we ask for your support."

Chief executive of Gloucestershire Hospitals Trust, Dr Frank Harsent, said: "Gloucestershire Hospitals is gaining an excellent reputation for our work to diagnose and treat cardiac and lung diseases. By working in partnership with Cobalt we can raise enough money to ensure we offer our patients in Gloucestershire faster diagnosis and treatment."

Samantha Watson,head of fundraising at Cobalt said they would work hard to hit the £1 million target.

"The scanner will be of huge benefit to people across Gloucestershire and we are excited that it will be used in the field of suspected stroke or heart attack too, in addition to cancer detection. Cobalt relies on the local community for so much of its support and I am sure local people will get behind the appeal. Please help us if you can." To find out how you can help call Cobalt on 01242 535922 or email the fundraising team on scannerappeal@cobalthealth.co.uk or visit the website page www.scannerappeal.com You can make a donation online www.scannerappeal.com