Swindon Hospital unveils new MRI technology

Great Western Hospital has taken delivery of a new MRI scanner.

The equipment - a MAGNETOM Sola from Siemens Healthineers - was selected as part of NHS England’s investment scheme to ensure 55,000 more people survive cancer each year.

The MRI system is more advanced than previous technologies at the hospital, and will be better able to deal with peaks in demand.

Sarah Balchin, Head of Imaging at the Great Western Hospital, said: “The covid-19 pandemic has presented the NHS with a unique set of challenges; we are incredibly pleased with the timely installation and a safe delivery with minimal disruption. 

"The MAGNETOM Sola from Siemens Healthineers is a welcome addition to our radiology facilities, furthering our scope of imaging and supporting early diagnosis of cancer, which is vital to saving more lives. 

"The innovative system is also easier to use and makes it quicker to scan and construct images, reducing the need to rescan and helping us to run our services more efficiently.”

Alistair Piggot, MR Business Manager at Siemens Healthineers GB&I, said: “Cancer survival is at a record high due to better screening, detection and prevention in the NHS.

"Customers receiving funding for replacement MRI scanners are choosing the MAGNETOM Sola to help expand the capability for precision medicine within their trusts, reducing the need for repeat scans and helping to increase productivity.

"The new MRI scanner at the Great Western Hospital is a result of major investment in scanning technology, and we’re pleased to see the trust benefitting from this – with the system installed smoothly despite the challenges of the pandemic.”