Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust has placed an order for two Vantage Orian 1.5T MRI scanners from Canon Medical Systems UK to futureproof imaging services.
This represents the first UK orders of the next-generation MRI system.
The two MRIs will be installed into Wycombe and Stoke Mandeville hospitals to provide patients with the latest techniques for cancer, stroke, heart, spine, and wider frontline imaging requirements.
The purchase of the scanners will be funded by Buckinghamshire-based charity. Scannappeal.
Wycombe Hospital will be first to receive the new scanner later this year, replacing an ageing system and supporting its busy district general imaging needs such as stroke and MSK research work.
The Vantage Orian MRI will facilitate shorter patient scan times and thus reduce appointment times for some examinations, as well as enhancing the patient experience.
This will help to drive improved throughput and meet the 13% year-on-year increase in demand at the trust for MRI examinations.
Stoke Mandeville Hospital, which includes the internationally-recognised National Spinal Injuries Centre and a busy 24-hour A&E department, will take delivery of its Vantage Orian MRI in 2020.
The benefits of high productivity, patient comfort, and greater clinical confidence will boost the standard of care delivered to patients, increase capacity, and enable new research projects to be undertaken.
Deborah King, lead radiographer for MRI at the trust, said: “We have great CT support service from Canon Medical Systems UK so they were a natural choice to help us modernise our MRI facilities.
“With 22,000 MRI scans each year, and growing by double digits annually, we needed to replace old systems and get ourselves fighting fit to support patients into the future.”