The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust has upgraded one of its MRI machines for quicker, more detailed scanning.

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body and can be used to help diagnose conditions, plan treatments and assess how effective previous treatment has been.

The upgrade has maintained the original magnet technology but introduced new acceleration software to bring quicker, more detailed scanning meaning less time in the MRI for patients making for a more improved experience.  

Sandra Milward, Head of Imaging at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, said: “The new MRI machine has made such a difference - we can treat more patients in less time, with better quality scanning all in a much brighter environment. Being in an MRI machine can be a little unsettling, so by speeding up the scanning we’re making it a more comfortable experience for patients and we’re able to see more patients in a shorter space of time helping us to maintain diagnostic targets.”

The upgrade replaces the original 3T MAGNETOM Skyra from Siemens Healthineers with the 3T MAGNETOM Vida Fit. Now both the Birmingham Trust’s MRI machines run on the same platform, making it easier for staff to use while improving efficiency and precision.

To maintain MRI targets and to avoid disruption to patient waiting times, a mobile MRI unit was brought on site. Sandra comments: “I’m so proud of the team during this upgrade, with the team split across the mobile MRI unit and our second MRI machine in the Imaging Department. They went above and beyond providing patient care in a real team effort.”