Super-scanner installed at private hospital

PRIVATE medical group Spire has installed a £1.4m MRI scanner at its Manchester Hospital  in Whalley Range.

The firm claims the scanner is the most technically-advanced in the region and is the first wide tunnel scanner to be installed in a private hospital in Greater Manchester, which will allow larger patients or those with claustrophobia, a more comfortable experience.

The Siemens 1.5 T scanner uses magnets and radio waves to produce 2D and 3D images of inside the body to provide images of joints, muscles, organs and tumors which can diagnose neurological diseases, cancers, injuries and degenerative conditions. The new scanner produces higher resolution images allowing for easier diagnosis.

It is the first wide tunnel scanner to be installed in a private hospital in Greater Manchester.

Chris Chadwick, director of Spire Manchester Hospital said: “We are delighted to be offering this state of the art technology here at Spire Manchester and continually investing in our hospital. We want to give our patients access to the very best diagnostic equipment.

“Not only will patients now feel more at ease, but the wider bore allows those who may be larger to access Magnetic Resonance Imaging at Spire Manchester. This scanner helps our professional sports patients access the most suitable technology and opens up the same opportunity to all our patients.”

Former Manchester United manager  Sir Alex Ferguson officially opened the new MAMRI (Magnetom Aera Magnetic Resonance Imaging) facility and said: “I am very impressed with the leading facilities offered at Spire Manchester Hospital.  As someone who has a lot of experience in getting sports professionals up to their personal best I respect Spire Manchester’s reputation as a centre of sports rehabilitation excellence.”