New MRI scanner for West Suffolk Hospital

23 August 2002

A new MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner will be in place at the West Suffolk Hospital by the end of the year.

The new state-of-the-art scanner, which produces top quality images, will result in improved diagnosis and treatment and shorter waiting times.

The cost of the equipment which is around £700,000 is being funded by the New Opportunities Fund which distributes National Lottery money to health, education and environment projects across the UK.

The scanner will replace the 13 year old equipment which is housed in ground floor accommodation at the back of the hospital.

“We are all very excited about the arrival of the new scanner which should be some time in October,” said Nigel Beeton, Radiography Services Manager. “There is some building work to be done but we should be scanning patients around Christmas”.

“There have been enormous advances in computer technology over the last 10 years and the new scanner incorporates all the latest improvements. The result will be increased efficiency and an amazing quality of MR image which will allow us to see in detail for the first time internal organs such as the pancreas and stomach.

“Effective treatment relies on early diagnosis and, once in place, the new scanner will help to reduce waiting times for patients”.

MRI produces cross-sectional images through the body without the use of X-rays. Instead, it uses a large magnet which generates a field that is 10,000 times stronger than the earth’s magnetic field. The major benefit of MRI is its ability to generate extremely detailed images.

Examples of its uses include:

• Neurology – MRI is the mainstay of neurological diagnosis (brain and spine)

• Musculoskeletal – MRI has an established role in examining joints, in particular knees and shoulders, and also soft tissues

• Oncology – eg diagnosis of gynaecological and spinal tumours

• Angiography – examination of the blood vessels