MRI Replacement, Royal Free Hospital
Case studies > Capital projects
Two 1.5T MRI and one 3T MRI were installed as part of the Imaging Replacement programme. These machines bring the latest, state-of-the-art technology, and will help ensure patients receive the best care possible. Two older MRI machines were replaced with three new ones, increasing the department’s scanning capacity and ensuring patients can be seen in good time. The scanners themselves offer reduced scanning times, increased image quality, and a range of advanced scanning techniques.
Scheme highlights
The 3T was a new installation involving the demolition of an existing building replaced with a complete new build giving an increase in floor area and better utilised clinical space. New fully HTM compliant mechanical and electrical infrastructure also supports the MRI’s with a mechanical services gantry sitting on top of the new building. The gantry houses a back up process chiller cooling system for the MRI providing a high level of resilience to avoid clinical downtime.
Challenges
Work was interrupted temporarily in spring 2020, when the challenges of COVID-19 meant that our teams had to put their work on hold. This meant that our project team had to adapt to a range of new challenges, including new infection control requirements and delays in the supply chain, as well as pressure from other areas of our hospital. Other non-COVID related issues have been managed and mitigated without causing delay.
“All our MRI scanners at the Royal Free Hospital are now wider and much lighter and brighter than before – which helps patients feel more at ease during their scan. The scanners also have improved comfort kits helping us to keep patients more comfortable whilst with us.”
Magda Barrow, MRI superintendent
“One of the most striking things about this project has been the positive attitude of all involved. With the disruption of the pandemic, we have had to face some of the biggest challenges of our careers – but everyone has done so with a smile. The positivity has paid off, and staff and patients will now be able to reap the rewards.”
Alex Pinches, Imaging programme board director
Key Details
2 x 1.5T and 1 x 3T MRI
£4.1m build cost
£3.327m equipment cost
Oct 2019 – Dec 2020 (including 2 month delay due to COVID)
Services Provided
Project Management
Cost management
Relocations and commissioning
Procurement
Pre-contract/post-contract
