Patients at a hospital in Hinckley who need X-rays will now have to travel to Coalville or Glenfield.

Hinckley and District Hospital on Mount Road has been forced to close its X-ray department as the equipment is no longer safe to use.

West Leicestershire Clinical Commissioning Group said that the situation was likely to remain "for the foreseeable future".

It said: “Unfortunately for safety reasons we are having to close the X-ray service at Hinckley and District Hospital with immediate effect and for the foreseeable future.

“The equipment is old and now beyond repair and X-ray staff at Hinckley and District Hospital have previously taken additional measures to ensure the equipment can be used safely. 

“However, staff can no longer use the equipment safely. 

“We have been a looking at the long-term solution for the X-ray equipment but in the meantime this action is necessary on safety grounds.”

Patients who need the scan will be referred to Coalville District Hospital or the Glenfield Hospital.