Article:
The new MRI machine is more powerful than before, allowing faster scans and more detailed that will take place, which means more patients can be seen by the team of radiology in one day. The majority of patients for magnetic resonance imaging are scanned within three weeks, but the new scanner will mean the Trust will have the potential to reduce this waiting time of two weeks. The radiology department has also extended its opening hours from eight to 12 hours a day and has moved from five to six days a week which means that hospitalized patients can be scanned on Saturdays if necessary and discharged at an earlier date . Paul Craven, Senior MRI Radiographer, said: "The images that we used to get from the old machine were not of the same quality and we can now obtain 3D images. We have definitely seen a difference in how patients are now faster scanner." What do you think the main benefits of having the new scanner in Boston is for patients? The new scanner has much better image quality. The scanner allows us to do vascular imaging to see if for example a person’s arteries are blocked or not working as they should. Stroke imaging allows us to explore if a patient has had a new stroke or if the symptoms they are experiencing are related to a previous stroke. The scanner also allows you to get a clearer picture of orthopedic injuries as we can give better look at the damage of the cartilage that was difficult with the previous scanner. In gynecological cancers, it is useful to stage a cancer. Prior to the staging of these tumors, the patient had to travel outside of Boston. What are the main differences between the old and the new MRI scanner? The new scanner is much faster, more accurate and provides better picture quality than the previous scanner. The new scanner has a larger diameter which means that all patients who suffer from claustrophobia may have a better experience in hospital because they do not feel as closed-in. The new equipment also allows you to examine patients who are heavier in weight than its predecessor. What is the feedback from the staff and patients was about the new scanner? The staff have seen an improvement on all fronts. Many people have commented that the new scanner is not as noisy as the last and how fast it is.