Consultant Radiologist, Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Imagine being assessed for a potential hip fracture without ever leaving your living room. For a growing number of patients across Surrey, that is now a reality — thanks to Andrew Moth and a service he helped bring to life.

Andrew has spent 30 years in radiology, and in that time he has seen the profession evolve enormously. Today, as a Consultant Radiologist leading advanced practice and service development at Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, he is helping to write the next chapter — one where the imaging comes to the patient, not the other way around.

Working in partnership with South East Coast Ambulance Service, Andrew co-created a community x-ray service specifically designed for people who have fallen at home. Now in its third pilot phase, the service pairs a senior radiographer with an advanced paramedic practitioner to attend patients at home or in their care home, carrying mobile x-ray equipment with real-time image transfer. Clinical decisions are typically made within around 30 minutes.

The impact is significant. Data from the first two pilot phases showed that around seven in ten patients assessed did not have a fracture — meaning the vast majority could be safely treated at home, sparing them an often distressing and unnecessary trip to the emergency department. Even some patients with a confirmed fracture can remain at home with support from the urgent community response service. Patients have described the experience as a “super service” delivered by a team that is “absolutely first class.”

“The community x-ray service shows how we can use our skills differently, bringing imaging directly to patients and supporting care that is more responsive and convenient,” Andrew says. “Being able to make a real difference to patient care, improve services and lead innovation has made my role extremely fulfilling.”

For frail patients and those living with dementia, the benefits extend beyond the clinical. Being assessed in a familiar environment reduces anxiety and disruption at a vulnerable moment, which can matter just as much as the diagnosis.

Andrew’s work exemplifies the hospital-to-community shift at the heart of the 10 Year Health Plan for England — and proves that with imagination, collaboration, and expertise, the NHS can always find a better way.