A new private diagnostics clinic has opened in London’s prestigious Harley Street Health District, with equipment and financial backing from Siemens Healthineers and Siemens Financial Services (SFS).
Marris Medical has launched the state-of-the-art facility offering advanced diagnostic imaging, alongside what it describes as the UK’s first ‘office-based laboratory’ (OBL) for minimally invasive, image-guided procedures.
The opening marks an important step in improving access to timely and efficient specialist care in London.
The clinic was established by consultant radiologist and Chairman of Marris Medical, Dr Ammad Hussain.
Marris Medical has launched the state-of-the-art facility offering advanced diagnostic imaging
Dr Hussain, whose family operates a tertiary hospital group and university in Pakistan, has maintained a longstanding relationship with Siemens, spanning more than four decades.
His first visit to Siemens’ headquarters in Erlangen, Germany, was at the age of ten, accompanying his family to procure an MRI scanner, the first of its kind for their province.
Now based in London and Dubai, Dr Hussain is spearheading his own ventures in healthcare delivery, combining high-resolution diagnostic imaging with interventional radiology and pain management services in a bespoke clinical environment.
A concept widely established in the US for over 20 years, an OBL is a specialist setting designed for minimally invasive procedures, guided by modern imaging technology.
Marris Medical secured a seven-year financing term for the MRI scanner and C-arm, and a five-year term for the ultrasound system
At Marris Medical, this includes services such as spine and joint injections using a C-arm X-ray machine, delivered in a setting requiring minimal sedation.
“Our OBL will initially offer personalised pain management treatments and interventional radiology services through a patient-centred, multidisciplinary approach,” explained Dr Hussain.
“This includes, for instance, spine or joint injections using a C-arm machine. These procedures require minimal sedation and are therefore ideal for the ‘mini operating theatre’."
The model, he added, is intended to help ease access to care, reduce patient waiting times, especially in areas such as pain management where delays can exceed NHS referral-to-treatment targets and optimise healthcare resources through efficient, outpatient-based procedures.
Advanced imaging and flexible finance
To support the new facility’s operational ambitions, Marris Medical has invested in advanced imaging systems from Siemens Healthineers, including an MRI scanner, an ultrasound machine, and a mobile C-arm X-ray system.
The equipment features high-speed software delivering up to 73% faster MRI scan times, particularly beneficial for patients who may struggle with longer procedures.
Dr Hussain said Siemens Healthineers was the natural choice for the project. “Siemens Healthineers makes quality, market-leading products that I’m very comfortable using. It was my first time working with Siemens Financial Services (SFS), and it was helpful to get both the equipment and finance under one roof, so to speak. SFS are already familiar with the machines and the industry itself, so I didn’t have to explain my requirements in depth.”
He added, “When my project was delayed, the team at SFS was accommodating and understanding. I felt the benefit of their experience, as they understood the challenges I was facing, and kept in touch with me. Throughout the delays, they did not drop the ball on approaching deadlines, which was reassuring.
The model is intended to help ease access to care, reduce patient waiting times, especially in areas such as pain management
“If SFS had backed out, I would not have been able to open my clinic. It’s that simple. It’s not easy to access financing as a new company with no income, but the long-term relationship with Siemens gave SFS the confidence to work with us.”
Marris Medical secured a seven-year financing term for the MRI scanner and C-arm, and a five-year term for the ultrasound system.
Dr Hussain noted the financing process was “very structured and organised” and praised the digital documentation process for its ease and efficiency.
“I am hoping to build on the success of this clinic with further expansion, and I would be more than happy to partner with SFS again,” he said.
Sector support and growth
Commenting on the project, Penny Pinnock, Public Sector and Healthcare Finance Sales Manager at Siemens Financial Services UK, said: “Private sector support is essential to relieve pressure on our healthcare system – but private organisations also need help acquiring the latest equipment. State-of-the-art machines allow independent clinics to support as many patients as possible, and with highly accurate and clear results.
“At SFS, we work with customers in a tailored way, listening to their specific challenges, and then working through these challenges to come to the best solution. It means we can offer financing where other providers may hesitate. It has been a pleasure to support Marris
Medical's rapid advancement in providing high-quality imaging technology.”
Siemens Healthineers, a division of Siemens AG, is headquartered in Erlangen, Germany, and operates its UK base from Frimley, Surrey.
The company is a global provider of medical imaging, laboratory diagnostics and healthcare IT solutions, with a growing portfolio of clinical therapy systems.
The launch of Marris Medical’s Harley Street clinic highlights the continued importance of agile, specialist provision in easing healthcare demand pressures, while underlining the value of strong partnerships between technology providers, financiers, and independent healthcare operators in the UK market.
Image: Image is illustrative only