Hopes new scanner will help Edmonton hospital tackle long patient waiting list

NHS staff with the new MRI scanner at North Mid — *Hosptial staff with the new MRI scanner at North Mid*

A new MRI scanner has been launched at North Middlesex University Hospital – helping diagnose up to an extra 1,000 patients every year.

The new Siemens Healthineers Magnetom Sola scanner will mean that an extra three patients can be seen every day thanks to its scanning speed and ability to adapt to the patient’s breathing and movement during the scan.

It means MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) 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 NHS trust that runs North Mid. As well as the new Siemens scanner, the Edmonton hospital’s MRI suite now includes a dedicated injection area, a recovery section, reception area, and additional facilities for staff.

The upgrade means the hospital 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 thanks 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 in accurate diagnosis.

Dr Nnenna Osuji, North Mid chief executive, said: “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, 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.”

Like many hospitals, North Mid is currently struggling with extremely long waiting lists for care and huge waits for emergency treatment.

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