The battle against strokes, heart disease and cancer at Yeovil District Hospital has been boosted by a new MRI scanner.
Yeovil District Hospital will receive the equipment from a £14 million allocation to help diagnose strokes and cancer.
This brings the total number of MRI scanners funded through the scheme to 19.
The MRI programme is part of the New Opportunities Fund's £300 million New Opportunities for Health initiative, through which in England £89.5 million is set aside for diagnostic equipment - to combat coronary heart disease, strokes and cancer. Around £52 million is available to boost consumption of fruit and vegetables and £70 million has been set aside for palliative care.
It is designed to complement the Government's health strategy.
MRI scanners use radio frequency pulses and a magnetic field to differentiate tissues within the human body.
The scanners can be used to help the diagnosis of strokes and cancer and assess the effectiveness of treatment given for the disease.
James Scott, chief executive of the East Somerset NHS Trust, said: "I am absolutely delighted that the trust is receiving this additional funding for a MRI scanner.
"While it is particularly aimed at patients suffering from cancer, heart disease and strokes, it will benefit many more of our patients.
"With a state-of-the-art MRI scanner, we will be able to increase the number of patients scanned up to 2,500 each year, enabling us to reduce current waiting times and to achieve NHS waiting time targets."
Chair of the New Opportunities Fund, Baroness Jill Pitkeathley, said the organisation was delighted to help in the continuing battle against cancer, heart disease and strokes.
She said: "This additional new investment will help play a part in the early detection of strokes and cancer and should make a difference to the quality of life for patients.
"There are variations in quality and access to some coronary heart disease, stroke and cancer services across the country.
"This funding will help play a part in ensuring that all patients have access to the right treatment at the right time."
The New Opportunities Fund is the biggest of the National Lottery good cause distributors, providing National Lottery funding for health, education and environment projects across the UK, with a particular focus on the disadvantaged and improving quality of life.