New state-of-the-art MRI scanner for Glan Clwyd Hospital

RMS has partnered with Medispace to deliver, and staff, a new state-of the-art Siemens Sola MRI scanner for Glan Clwyd Hospital, part of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.

The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is the largest health organisation in Wales and has three main hospitals – Gwynedd Hospital in Bangor, Glan Clwyd in Bodelwyddan and Wrexham Maelor Hospital.

RMS works with the Health Board at Trust sites and the community, providing CT, MR and Ultrasound scanning services to reduce diagnostic imaging waiting lists. RMS supports the Health Board with a full 7-day a week service at the Glan Clwyd site and has been providing radiographers to staff the Glan Clwyd modular MRI unit for 4 years, scanning over 8,000 patients to date.

The new modular MRI unit is high specification throughout, with easy access, a modern interior and changing room. At the heart of the modular unit is the Siemens Sola MRI scanner. The scanner automatically adjusts to patient biovariability to overcome variations in MR scans, meaning more personalised exams, fewer rescans and high-quality imaging.

Clinical Director Bill Bailey commented “We’re delighted that the new MRI Scanner is now in place and up and running at the Glan Clwyd site. The modular unit is spacious, light and modern and should put patients having an MRI scan at ease. Investing in high quality equipment of this standard leads to a better experience for the patient, and improved imaging. “

“We have been working with Betsi Cadwaladr for a long time and are pleased to be helping significantly reduce waiting lists for the Health Board’s patients across North Wales.”

There were over 164,000 patients across Wales waiting for a diagnostic test (Feb 22), with 43,000 waiting over 14 weeks. RMS partners with Health Boards and NHS Trusts to reduce waiting lists through an enhanced imaging service – typically opening radiology departments out of hours and at weekends and staffing them with their own highly qualified radiographers and support workers. They also provide and staff modular, mobile and hybrid units and are working with many Trusts to manage their Community Diagnostic Centre staffing requirements.