THERE is a chance that a community ultrasound hub could be based at Bishop's Castle Community Hospital.

Bishop's Castle Community Hospital Fund has been told that the Shropshire Community Health Trust is prepared to have discussions with the Shropshire Clinical Commissioning Group about establishing a community ultrasound service in the town.

“This important diagnostic service would help meet the needs of the local community and bring a valuable medical service nearer to home,” said Neil Hird from the Bishop's Castle Community Hospital Equipment Fund.

The equipment fund has offered to provide financial help with either the purchase or leasing of a mobile ultrasound unit.

It is a technique that is widely used as an alternative to x-rays where sound waves are used to show images of inside of the body. Ultrasound is the standard technique used when examining pregnant women. Other uses include examination of the heart.