A MAJOR fund-raising drive to secure a new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner is being launched by the Paul Strickland Scanner Centre, Northwood.

It would be based at Mount Vernon Hospital and could have huge benefits for patients.

MRI has a long history at the centre, with the first scanner installed in 1986. Thousands of people have been scanned there since, making an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment possible.  

MRI Superintendent Linda Culver, who joined the centre’s team in 1987, remembers scanning patients on the first MRI scanner.

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She said: “I have seen enormous advances in MRI technology over the years. Image quality has improved dramatically, allowing a much more accurate diagnosis, and scans are much quicker, meaning we can scan many more patients.

“Today, the centre is the global leader in whole-body MRI scanning, which is particularly important for patients where the tumour has spread.

“Whole-body MRI was simply not possible all those years ago and we’re very fortunate we can now use our experience in this area to benefit local families affected by cancer, as well as people from further afield who need help.”

It is estimated the project will cost in the region of £1.5m.