Radiology staff working at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Trust have successfully cut waiting times from months down to just a few weeks for routine patients.

The national radiology waiting time target is that no-one should be waiting more than 6 weeks for routine scans by the end of March 2008. Radiology staff at the Norfolk and Norwich and Cromer hospitals have achieved this target and most patients are, in fact, now waiting a maximum of three weeks.

Radiology includes diagnostic imaging such as x-rays, ultrasound, and CT and MRI scans. Three years ago the waiting time for a routine MRI scan, for example, was around six months.

Chief executive Paul Forden said: "Radiology department staff have done a fantastic job in dramatically bringing down waiting times for these diagnostic tests. It's been an extremely tough target to meet and our staff deserve our thanks and recognition for bringing about such a major improvement for our patients."

The target has been achieved by new ways of working including, weekend working, extend days, employing more radiographers and redesigning the way services are offered. New innovations include taking services such as ultrasound out into GP practices.