Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust has submitted plans for a new MRI department at Queen Alexandra Hospital, seeking to expand diagnostic imaging capacity within its existing estate.
The planning application, submitted to Portsmouth City Council on behalf of the Trust by Equans UK, proposes alterations to the hospital façade and the construction of an acoustic-fenced services compound to accommodate the infrastructure and plant required to operate the new MRI suite.
The application is currently under consideration by the council and no contractor has been appointed for the proposed works.
Rather than creating a standalone building, the scheme would adapt part of the existing hospital to provide the new MRI facilities.
The development would be located on previously developed land within the operational hospital campus and has been designed to integrate with the existing building while minimising disruption to ongoing healthcare services.
Planning documents describe the proposal as “a modest and proportionate development” that would provide the supporting infrastructure needed for the MRI department while maintaining the hospital’s existing functions.
The design approach focuses on making efficient use of the available space within the established hospital site, avoiding the need for additional land take or changes to the wider campus layout.
The enclosed services compound would house the mechanical and electrical equipment required to support the MRI suite, with acoustic fencing incorporated to reduce noise impacts and provide a secure area for operational infrastructure.
The documents state that the compound has been positioned and designed to respond to the constraints of the existing site while supporting the long-term operation of the new imaging facilities.
The planning documents also state that the scheme would make “efficient use of previously developed land and hardstanding”, with no changes proposed to existing vehicle access, pedestrian routes or accessible entrances.
Existing arrangements for patients, staff, visitors and emergency services would remain in place during the development.
The application confirms that the proposals would not result in a change of use and would have no impact on trees, hedgerows or landscaped areas within the hospital campus.
