Mobile MRI services for Northumbria

The new MRI diagnostic service is provided from a mobile unit within the grounds of Berwick Infirmary and Alnwick Infirmary on a fortnightly basis until the end of December, with the option of increasing the frequency once future demand has been assessed. InHealth provides highly experienced radiographers who benefit from unsurpassed imaging performance using a Philips Intera MRI system for the full range of clinical applications.

The first patient to use the scanner was fifteen-year-old Lucy Davis from Wooler. Lucy commented: “Travelling to Berwick was so much more convenient than travelling to North Tyneside or Wansbeck. I’m pleased the whole process was fast and efficient”.

Steve Russell, executive director at Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: “The mobile scanner is part of our commitment to providing local services and is an integral part of the development of our community hospitals. We are offering patients speedier access to a technology that gives a faster and more detailed diagnosis. We are also hoping to introduce a CT scanner later this year, and looking to the future to see what additional services we can provide.”