PCT director Alison Knowles would be keen to extend the use of the X-ray facilities at the new treatment centre to be built next year at Green Lane, Devizes.

The centre, to be be run by private company UK Specialist Hospitals, will carry out routine operations on NHS patients.

The X-ray will be for the use of patients attending for operations but, responding to questions, the PCT director said: "If there's any spare capacity then I would be interested in a separate contract negotiation with UKSH to increase diagnostic opportunities for local patients."

Coun Margaret Taylor asked why there was no consultation carried out on the location of the centre.

Ms Knowles replied: "The board were briefed in November and there have been briefings with the county council health overview and scrutiny committee in the past six months.

"It was a national procurement decision by the Department of Health and the terms of the contract are being negotiated with the Department of Health and the provider.

"One of the main advantages of the Department of Health holding the contract is they hold the financial risk. If patients choose not to go there the PCTs have no financial liability."

  • The PCTs were told that directors had taken a decision under emergency powers to commit capital expenditure to new digital X-ray technology to be installed in Chippenham and Trowbridge hospitals.