There were 8,300 people waiting for a scan at Great Western Hospital in July, figures show.

Bosses at the Swindon hospital have brought in a mobile CT van to scan cancer patients and a second MRI machine in an effort to clear radiology backlogs.

Audiologists, whose work stopped during the pandemic, resumed face-to-face appointments in July. They have brought in a screening app and triaging patients over the telephone. Outreach clinics were expected to begin in August.

A report prepared for GWH’s board of directors’ meeting on Thursday said: “Covid-19 social distancing rules are significantly impacting the level of activity that can be delivered.”

Hospital staff performed 6,348 procedures in July – but still faced a waiting list of 8,331.

GWH chief executive Kevin McNamara said work was underway to prepare the hospital for a 'second wave' of the virus. The focus was on ensuring day-to-day services could continue.