Cromer and District Hospital has a new MRI scanner which is the first of its kind in the UK. The £600,000 scanner usesaround 34 per cent less energy than older MRI models and produces high-quality 3D images in a much faster time.

The £600,000 scanner, which goes live on Monday 13 December, will help to meet the growing demand for specialist diagnostic imaging and will be available as an out-patient service for patients living north of Norwich.

Besides using around 34 per cent less energy than older MRI models, the new scanner can produce high-quality 3D images in a much faster time.

Among the first patients to benefit will be Tim Richards, a self-employed electrician from Ludham, who was referred for a scan after suffering persistent pain in his knee. "As an electrician I spend half my life either on my knees or climbing ladders," he said. "I'm told the pain could be due to one of several different things so I'm hoping the scan will shed light on the cause of the problem.

"Cromer is an easy journey for me and the waiting time was five weeks, which really isn't too bad. I had no idea I was making history be being the first patient to use the new scanner."

The MRI scanner is housed in the existing radiology unit which will remain in place on the redeveloped hospital site. Part of a wall had to be removed to allow the six-and-a-half ton magnet to be carefully lowered into place before specialist engineers moved in to commission and test the new machine in readiness for the first patients.

It is hoped the new scanner will help us to keep pace with an ever growing demand for specialist imaging services.

Meanwhile the Cromer hospital redevelopment project continues with the refurbishment of Barclay Ward for renal dialysis and the creation of a temporary car park at the football club on the opposite side of the road.

The renovations include the re-roofing of Barclay Ward and a restructured ward layout to make space for nine renal dialysis stations. The new dialysis unit is scheduled for completion in February and work on the main hospital building will start in April.

Notes for editors

The MRI scanner goes live on Monday 13 December and you are welcome to send a reporter / photographer to film or photograph the new scanner. We have a photo of the 6.5 ton "magnet" arriving at the radiology unit at Cromer Hospital prior to being commissioned and tested.