North Mid invests over £2m into new state-of-the-art MRI scanner
A new state-of-the-art MRI scanner will now help support North Mid tackle its patient backlog by scanning and helping diagnose up to an extra 1,000 patients every year.
The new Siemens Healthineers Magnetom Sola scanner will mean that up to an extra three patients can be seen every day due to its scanning speed and ability to adapt to the patient’s breathing and movement during the scan.
It means MRI scans at North Mid will now be quicker, more accurate, more comfortable and more effective.
The Sola scanner is part of a £2.25million investment from the Trust into a brand new MRI suite that was officially opened by North Mid's Chief Executive Dr Nnenna Osuji last week.
The MRI suite includes the new Siemens scanner, a dedicated injection area, a recovery section, a reception area, and additional facilities for staff.
The upgrade means our imaging team is now able to help diagnose conditions that previously weren't possible at North Mid as full-body scans and breast scans are now available.
Staff will also be able to work more efficiently due to the size of the scanner and the new MRI suite as the team will have everything they need all in one space.
One of the main benefits of the advanced technology installed in the scanner is that sharper, faster, more complex and multiple angle images can be captured. This allows the imaging team to not only see patients with more complex scans but that more detailed and clearer images can be taken which helps accurate diagnosis.
It also is extremely energy efficient and can reduce energy consumption by 20% with operating modes built in.
Trust executives were joined at the suite opening by teams who were instrumental in the completion of the multi-million-pound project including our Estates and Facilities team, Bouygues, Siemens, procurement and our imaging team.
Dr Nnenna Osuji, Chief Executive at North Mid said: "I was honoured to cut the ceremonial ribbon at the entrance to our brand-new MRI suite at North Mid. The suite was packed with colleagues from across our Trust and partners who all played an instrumental part in this state-of-the-art project.
"The room was full of energy and excitement at the prospect of what this new scanner will facilitate for the communities we serve. We look forward to improved images, with more detail and being able to see more patients through this new unit allowing us to provide the very best quality of care to the communities we serve. The space not only looks great but is truly functional for both patients and staff. This will help us do more for many in diagnosing key conditions.
"When speaking to colleagues in our imaging department at the event, you could get a real feel of the benefits this will have on our patients, mainly due to the positive impact it will have on the work they deliver every day. It is a great example of the importance of partnership in helping us achieve our Trust vision to provide outstanding care for local people."