New and faster MRI scanners at Queen's
Patients at Queen’s Hospital are set to benefit from faster scans, clearer imaging and a more comfortable experience following the arrival of two Siemens Sola MRI scanners.
They can complete some scans much faster than the previous machines, particularly for patients needing imaging for back problems, joint pain, and muscle injuries.
By reducing the time it takes, we expect to be able to see more patients each day and help reduce waiting times for important diagnostic tests. Last year we completed 49,138 MRI scans.
The scanners produce clearer, more detailed images, helping clinical teams diagnose conditions faster and more accurately.
Patients may also notice they feel less cramped than older machines.
The new equipment has a wider opening and is designed to create a more comfortable experience, particularly for patients who may feel anxious or claustrophobic during scans.
Our Deputy Chief Executive Fiona Wheeler said:
These new scanners are a major improvement for both patients and staff. Not only can we carry out scans more quickly, but the image quality is also significantly better, helping us diagnose patients as early and accurately as possible.
This is part of a wider programme of improvements to diagnostic and imaging services across Queen’s Hospital.
Over the past two years, we’ve been replacing and upgrading a range of equipment used to diagnose conditions such as cancer, heart disease and neurological conditions.
This has included new CT scanners, upgraded specialist X-ray rooms and the replacement of imaging equipment within our Nuclear Medicine and Radiotherapy services.
Further upgrades are also currently underway, including a new specialist bi-plane imaging suite for complex brain and heart procedures, alongside additional CT and X-ray improvements across the hospital.