A state-of-the-art MRI scanner is due to arrive at Noble’s Hospital tomorrow (Wednesday).

The Siemens 3Tesla MRI has been generously funded by the Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust.

It will allow more complex scanning to be carried out than in the past, and as a result fewer patients will need to travel to UK hospitals for their scans.

Purchased by the Trust at a cost of £1.2 million, the equipment is the final element of an enhanced cross-sectional imaging facility based in a bespoke new scanning suite at Noble’s.

The department has funded a building programme at Noble’s to create the high tech suite, which includes a copper-lined room to house the MRI, an ambient lighting system to create a relaxing environment for patients, and new changing rooms.

Innovision technology is also being installed so that patients can watch a customised video while undergoing a scan to reduce anxiety.

A crane will be required to lift the MRI off its lorry and manoeuvre it into place through a hole in the outside wall of the hospital, a painstaking operation which will require traffic to be re-routed and a bus stop moved to provide space.

Health and Social Care Minister David Ashford said: ’The department is enormously grateful for the purchase of this new MRI by the Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust, which has again provided something that is truly state of the art and which will enhance patient care here on the island. ’

Chair of Trustees Terry Groves said: ’Providing facilities which make a real difference to the healthcare of patients is our goal.’