Merseyside and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust opens its new modular GE HealthCare MRI supplied in collaboration with Diagnostic Healthcare
Diagnostic Healthcare Limited, established in 2004, provides over 500,000 diagnostic appointments to NHS and private patients each year across MRI, ultrasound, CT, DXA, and x-ray. Their continued collaboration with NHS trusts across the UK plays a key role in tackling waiting lists and delivering high-quality medical imaging services.
A brand-new modular MRI unit has officially opened at Whiston Hospital, part of Merseyside and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, marking a significant step forward in improving diagnostic imaging services for the local community.
Developed in collaboration with Diagnostic Healthcare and GE Healthcare, the new facility features the latest AI-enabled MRI scanner designed to deliver faster, more precise imaging and diagnostic quality. The scanner is enhanced by patient-focused features including mood lighting and a video comfort solution from NordicNeuroLab, creating a more relaxing environment for patients undergoing scans.
The addition of Diagnostic Healthcare’s modular unit at Whiston Hospital further increases capacity, helping to reduce waiting times and improve access, particularly for inpatients and those with mobility difficulties, thanks to the unit’s ground-level access.
Diagnostic Healthcare has supported the trust over the past two years by providing mobile MRI services, helping to manage rising demand for imaging across the region. The transition from a mobile to a modular solution offers a more permanent, accessible setup that can serve a wider range of patients and further support the trust’s commitment to high-quality, fast diagnostics.
In recognition of this milestone, Liat Karni, CEO of Diagnostic Healthcare, shared: “I would like to congratulate the entire team on an outstanding delivery of the MRI project.
“Successfully bringing the latest MRI AI technology and the innovative video comfort solution into a well-designed relocatable unit not only creates a seamless extension to the Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust’s main radiology department, but also significantly enhances patient experience and outcomes.
“We look forward to continuing to deliver the highest standard of care and working alongside such a fantastic team.”
The new modular was officially opened in June, with representatives from Merseyside and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Diagnostic Healthcare, GE HealthCare, and supporting estates teams coming together to celebrate the milestone.
Rob Cooper, chief executive for Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “This new scanner is a valuable addition to our radiology department’s existing MRI assets. For patients, they can watch videos, listen to music and communicate more effectively with the radiographers throughout their scan. It’s also equipped with the latest AI technology that enables improved image quality for more accurate results and the scans are faster which will allow more tests to be undertaken each day.
“A huge thank you to everyone involved, this really is an excellent development for the department and the trust.”
Roy Tappin, general manager for GE HealthCare UKI, attended the opening and noted: “It was my pleasure to attend the official opening of the modular MRI scanner at Whiston Hospital, alongside the leadership team from Diagnostic Healthcare, part of DHC Group. The opening comes as a result of the close working collaboration with DHC, GE and the trust. This new facility will help to drive increased capacity and efficiencies to benefit the patients we all ultimately serve.”
Lead picture: Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust chief executive Rob Cooper and chief operating officer Lesley Neary cut the ribbon to officially open the MRI scanner at Whiston Hospital.
This news story has been sponsored by the companies concerned and does not represent the views or opinions of RAD Magazine.
