Member for Pittwater Rob Stokes today joined local health professionals in welcoming the commencement of the northern beaches' first ever mobile digital x-ray service.

This innovative service has been funded by the NSW Government and enables elderly and frail patients to receive x-ray examinations in the comfort and safety of their own homes and care facilities.

"This is a fantastic service designed to take pressure off our local hospitals and address the increasing needs of our community's ageing and growing population," Rob Stokes said today.

"Transferring elderly and frail patients for an x-ray isn't an easy process – it's often difficult, dangerous and costly.

"This service enables local GP's to access x-ray images on their computers and alleviate unnecessary stress and discomfort for patients.

"From a cost and risk perspective, transferring frail patients for an x-ray is simply ridiculous.

"Avoidable hospital transfers clog up our emergency departments, create stress for patients and waste the valuable time of our local ambulance officers.

"This service will reduce demand on ambulance resources, reduce waiting times for diagnosis, reduce risks for patients and reduce pressure on our local emergency departments.

"There are enormous challenges to be met in relation to our local health services and this is another important step in addressing these," Rob Stokes concluded.