A new 12.7 million dollar investment in two new CT scanners, is expected to improve diagnostic services across Palmerston North

Health Minister Simeon Brown's, revealed a new state-of-the-art modular CT unit, will open in February.

The region's hospital has been relying on a loaned CT scanner - which has contributed to delays in patient care.

The new machines are expected to deliver a further 3000 scans a year.

Brown says this will ease pressure across the system, and allow patients to be seen quicker.

He says workforce planning's already underway, to support the expanded service.