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June 2008New MRI for Berkshire Independent
Reading Hospital Upgrades to Open Bore MRI
Berkshire Independent Hospital, part of the Ramsay Health Care network, is one of Reading’s leading private hospitals. A MAGNETOM Espree 1.5T wide bore MRI scanner from Siemens was recently installed to assist with examination and diagnosis in a variety of conditions.
In the UK Ramsay operates a network of 22 independent hospitals, 9 Independent Sector Treatment Centres, neurological rehabilitation centres and diagnostic imaging services. These provide a wide and comprehensive range of clinical specialties to insured, self-pay and NHS patients.
The MAGNETOM Espree permits the diagnosis of challenging diseases quickly and efficiently as well as providing a comfortable patient experience. Berkshire Independent Hospital is using the MRI for full body scanning as well as detailed diagnostic imaging of the brain and bone structures.
With 30cm of headroom and a 70cm bore, the Espree ensures a relaxing scanning experience for anxious and claustrophobic patients. Its short 125cm 1.5T magnet also means that 60% of examinations can be completed with the patient’s head outside of the open bore to reduce anxiety and ensure a smoother examination process.
“MRI scans can cause anxiety in some of our patients, particularly those that are muscular or overweight; the large bore and inviting design of the MAGNETOM Espree has ensured that the scanning environment is more relaxed,” said Nazima Firfirey, Senior MRI CT Radiographer at Berkshire Independent Hospital. “Its design means that most exams can be completed feet-first, which helps to reassure patients and enable us to obtain the images we need.”
“The MAGNETOM Espree is a highly adaptable MRI solution,” said Andreas Hadjiphanis, Regional Sales Manager at Siemens. “The Unique CT-like open bore and ultra lightweight body coils provide a significantly more comfortable patient experience without compromising on the advanced MRI imaging quality.”
The MAGNETOM Espree benefits from Siemens’ Tim (Total Imaging Matrix) technology that provides a new level of flexibility, accuracy and speed to enhance workflow. Tim’s lightweight Matrix coils can be configured in a variety of ways according to the individual examination. The Intelligent Coil Control feature then detects and selects the appropriate coil elements, meaning examinations can be performed with a single click and eliminating the need for coil repositioning.
(Left to right): Kathy Wescott, Senior Radiographer, Anthony Nally, General Manager, Sian Dobell, Business Development Manager, Jo Priscott, Senior Radiographer, Roisin Haynes, Operations Manager, Nazima Firfirey, Senior MRI CT Radiographer, Andreas Hadjiphanis, Regional Sales Manager, Siemens.