Second MRI scanner at Raigmore Hospital

From left are radiographers Lorraine Hogg and Lesley Graham, consultant radiologist Dr Helen Shannon, MRI & CT superintendent radiographer Muriel Cockburn, Philips sales specialist Douglas Cowie, chair of NHS Highland Garry Coutts, Philips regional operations manager North, Joe Degnan, NHS Highland directorate general manager Kenny Steel, and Philips MR sales specialist Jenny Jeffries.

NHS Highland has acquired a Philips Achieva 1.5T A Series 16 channel Nova Dual MRI system.

Sited at Raigmore Hospital, the scanner is now installed alongside the hospital’s existing eight-year-old Philips Intera 1.5T system.

Both systems will be used for general purpose MRI, although the new whole body specialist and cardiac specialist packages will allow Raigmore to expand its services.  In addition, DynaCAD software will enable MRI-guided breast biopsy to become routine for NHS Highland.

DynaCAD breast software for analysis and biopsy planning streamlines processing, reviewing and planning.  It incorporates automatic image processing tools to improve interventional procedure workflow.

MRI & CT superintendent radiographer Muriel Cockburn recalled: “The simplicity of workflow and high image quality of the new system, coupled with Philips’ proven track record of customer support and service, contributed to our decision to go with Philips again.”

She added: “We are finding that with the new scanner we are able to carry out faster scanning of more complex studies; for instance, cardiac, breast and whole body imaging.”

See the full report on page 9 of the October 2010 issue of RAD Magazine.