Scanner first for hospital (From Tivyside Advertiser)

Scanner first for hospital

9:35am Tuesday 9th September 2008

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A 14 tonne MRI scanner was delivered and crane lifted into Bronglais Hospital at the weekend.

It is the first permanent MRI scanner for the Aberystwyth hospital and is also the first ‘open’ MRI scanner to be available in any NHS hospital in Wales.

The scanner, which was funded to the tune of £1.3m by the Welsh Assembly Government, is unique in its design as it is open rather than closed. Radiology Services Manager Mark Sherratt explained: "Unlike a conventional closed scanner, where the patient is enclosed by the machine making some feel claustrophobic, the energy efficient open scanner is open on three sides thereby reducing patient anxiety.

"The open scanner will allow us to provide a much better patient experience and the room will be designed in such a way to maximise patient comfort and ease the stress of the examination."

MRI scanners use powerful magnets and radio waves to produce cross-section images of bones, muscles, joints, blood vessels, nerves and body structures. They are used to examine the brain, spinal cord, joints and increasingly to investigate conditions such as cancer and strokes. The scanner does not use X-Rays so is one of the safest imaging techniques available.

The new equipment will provide a more dignified environment in which MRI scans are carried out in Ceredigion, provide better images for earlier diagnostics, reduce the need for overnight hospital stays, and reduce the need for invasive surgery, use of CT or ultrasound scans.

The Trust’s Medical Director Dr Alan Axford said: "We are delighted that the MRI scanner has arrived safely in Ceredigion and we now look forward to being able to offer better access to MRI for patients in Ceredigion in a way which both protects their dignity and provides them with the best possible patient experience."

It is hoped the service will be available for patients in the autumn.

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