SG Healthcare MRI

Description

n MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan is a remarkable medical imaging technology that allows healthcare professionals to capture detailed pictures of the body’s internal structures using a powerful magnetic field and radio waves. This non-invasive procedure is crucial in investigating and diagnosing various medical conditions, providing valuable insights into the human body’s inner workings.

For a long time, Gateshead Health’s historical reliance on only one MRI scanner has posed significant challenges to the MRI service, especially during scheduled maintenance and with increasing demand for the service.

Recognising the potential risks, Gateshead Health successfully secured capital funding from NHS England in 2022 to address this issue.

With the invaluable support of QE Facilities colleagues, meticulous planning and installation efforts were undertaken to bring a second scanner to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital site.

The fruition of these efforts came in 2023 when Gateshead Health was awarded the funding and subsequently commissioned the new scanner, marking its official opening on 1 July 2024.

This cutting-edge addition to the region’s MRI facilities represents a significant technological leap forward for Gateshead Health. For example, the new MRI scanner can accept upgrades via software packages that enable it to be more efficient and carry out scans in shorter time-frames. Ultimately, this allows the scanner to process more patients, leading to faster and improved healthcare services for the community.

Along with this development, Gateshead Health’s MRI department proactively recruited and trained additional MRI radiographers to supplement the existing team.