State-of-the-art equipment at Nuffield

Exeter Chiefs players helped to launch state-of-the-art equipment at an Exeter hospital.

The machinery will provide detailed body scans ensuring quick diagnosis and effective treatment.

The onsite MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner was launched at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Exeter Nuffield Hospital. Consultants and GPs joined special guests the drinks and canapé reception.

Also in attendance were Chiefs players Luke Cowan-Dickie and Jonny Hill.

They were joined by the club’s Adrian Harris, Head of Sports Medicine, Jamie Fulton, Lead Physiologist and John Wood, Head of Corporate.

As the Chiefs official healthcare partners, the MRI scanner will be used to monitor players at the Premiership Rugby club.

Mr Wood said: “It was great to see so many people at the launch event for the new MRI scanner. The medical team will now be able to identify injuries earlier which means we can get our players back to full health as quickly as possible which is great news."  

The new piece of equipment, a £2m investment in healthcare technology for Exeter and Devon, will allow affordable and rapid access appointments and prompt reviewing of scans by the team of Consultant Radiologists based at the Wonford Road complex.
MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce images of the inside of the body, allowing radiologists to diagnose a range of conditions. It is a painless and safe procedure.

Anna Pryce, Sales and Services Manager at Nuffield Health, said: “We’re delighted to have the Exeter Chiefs officially open our new MRI scanner.  The launch party was attended by Consultants, GPs, members of our Patient Focus Group and staff, all of whom enjoyed drinks and canapés alongside tours of the new imaging suite.  The new scanner offers greater flexibility of appointments, as well as improved comfort for patients.”

The scanner will join the suite of diagnostic radiology at the hospital including Mammography, X-ray and Ultrasound.

Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital is a private hospital located in the city centre. The hospital specialises in orthopaedic surgery, providing care for those undergoing hip, knee, spinal, shoulder or foot and ankle operations.