A NEW £243,000 computer system could share patient X-ray and other scan data between hospital radiology departments in Huddersfield and Halifax.

The diagnostic imaging departments at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary and the Calderdale Royal Hospital have worked independently, al- though the hospital trusts merged in 2001.

Some X-rays have had to be repeated.

A report to the Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust board revealed: "This results not only in increased use of resources within the imaging departments but also in increased radiation doses to the patient, which is obviously unacceptable."

The report pointed to inaccuracies and inconsistencies where there were two sets of information.

It said: "There is continued hindrance to the reduction of waiting lists through the use of the two separate Radiology Information Systems.

"Furthermore, as the data extracted from the different systems at each hospital, such as waiting lists and activity - is inaccurate, incomparable and inconsistent - it renders future business planning almost impossible."

Mrs Diane Whittingham, chief executive, said there was an urgency to improve the system although a new national system may be launched.