New MRI scanner in use from next week

It follows a five-month series of upgrades during which MRI scans were carried out in a rented mobile MRI scanner based in a lorry trailer parked outside the entrance to Radiology and the Emergency Department.

That service was suspended yesterday due to minor technical issues with appointments being postponed.

These will be prioritised to take place on the new scanner within 10 days.

Health & Social Care purchased a Siemens Avanto FIT MRI scanner.

Staff are completing their final training.

Head of radiology services Alistair Richards said it was a proud moment for the team.

‘The MRI scanner is a vital part of our hospital facility with constant high demand on it, whether it be emergencies or scheduled appointments.

‘We complete 5,500 scans a year. The old scanner had exceeded its lifespan and what we have now will be far more comfortable for patients. It is a huge step forward.’

Based in the same part of the hospital as the previous 13-year-old scanner, the project to replace it has involved a full refurbishment of the facilities.

‘We have “upcycled” the old steel magnet and built a totally new scanner around this metal heart of the old scanner,’ said Mr Richards.

The main room housing the scanner was stripped back to a bare shell and installed with a new copper cage, which seals the space. Then the ceiling, walls and floor were replaced.

The magnet was then slid back in and incorporated into the new scanner.

Siemens has installed the latest software and new ancillary hardware, such as new coils, a new bed and new control room.

The finishing touches have also included new mood lighting and ceiling-mounted screens which can project nature scenes to create a reassuring therapeutic environment for people undergoing scans.

The final stages of preparing the new facility including topping up the scanner with helium and charging the magnet.

Mr Richards said that the temporary scanning facility in the lorry had generally worked well.

But with this rented unit due to head back to the UK next week, HSC decided to suspend its use for the final three days of its contract.

‘We would like to sincerely thank all the patients who have supported the successful use of the temporary MRI facility for the last 17 weeks and apologise to the small number who have required postponement of their original appointment.’