Bishop Auckland MP, Helen Goodman, has visited Bishop Auckland Hospital to see for herself the new state of the art MRI scanner that is now benefiting patients.
The scanner is one of two new MRI scanners at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, the other, at Darlington Memorial Hospital, was also recently installed and will be in use from the end of May.
Helen Goodman MP, said, “I’m delighted that in the midst never-ending cuts to hospital budgets and services, we’re seeing some positive development at Bishop Auckland Hospital. I’m really proud of the work that has been done to bring this MRI scanner to our town; a lot of people will benefit from shorter journeys to appointments and faster diagnoses.”
Rob Goddard, associate director of governance, clinical specialist services at County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust, said, “Modern scanners play an important part in helping our Consultants diagnose and determine treatment plans for what can be life threatening or life limiting conditions, including many types of cancer and heart disease.
Previously patients may have had to undergo exploratory and sometimes invasive surgery to support the diagnostic process. This advanced technology, which provides detailed and high quality images, will help reduce many such interventions, improving the patient experience.
“Not everyone realises that MRI scans take between 30 and 40 minutes which is a long time to lie still, but our new scanners have wider tunnels, known as ‘bores’ and are much quieter than older models. Patients can also choose from a selection of lighting programmes which change during the scan.
All of this leads to a much improved patient experience. In the past, children and some adults required sedation or a general anaesthetic in order to tolerate being scanned, but we’re finding this is now much less likely. This not only means reduced risks to the patient, an anaesthetic is avoided but also saves hospital beds, traditionally required for recover.”
The trust continues with a fundraising campaign until the end of 2018, as both scanners have been installed early, thanks to manufacturer Philips, who have deferred payment until the end of the year.
Rob Goddard, said, “We’ve been amazed and very touched by the generosity of local people who have donated to our Appeal. Individuals, groups, associations and local businesses have all stepped-up, recognising the huge benefits these scanners will bring. It’s important that this generosity and fundraising continues throughout 2018.”
