A world class MRI scanner - the first of its kind in the UK - has arrived at Wycombe Hospital.

The new scanner had to be craned into place on Saturday, January 25, in a meticulously-planned operation.

With 22,000 MRI scans carried out at Wycombe and Stoke Mandeville hospitals in 2018, and demand growing by an estimated 13 per cent every year, the new scanner is a welcome addition to Bucks Healthcare Trust (BHT).

The new scanner was funded through generous donations to healthcare charity Scannappeal, which buys state-of-the-art medical equipment for Bucks' hospitals.

Its delivery coincided with the charity's MRI appeal reaching a staggering £1 million.

The scanner is expected to be fully operational at Wycombe hospital within the next eight weeks.

Dr Richard Hughes, Clinical Lead for Radiology, said the Trust is "so lucky" to be the first in the UK to have a scanner of this kind.

He said: "Latest MRI techniques for cancer, stroke, heart, spine and many other conditions will improve diagnosis and reduce the need for invasive procedures.”

Lisa Trivett, CEO of Scannappeal, thanked everyone who has helped the charity reach the important milestone.

She said: “When we launched the public appeal we knew the target of £1.5 million was ambitious and in order to get the new scanners into our hospitals we needed to work as quickly as possible.

"From day one we have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our local community, many people already being supporters of Scannappeal but we have also received donations from new donors, businesses, local clubs and groups.

"Fundraising doesn’t stop here as stage two of the project is to install a second scanner at Stoke Mandeville hospital by the end of this year.”

Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust chief executive Neil Macdonald added: “The generosity from the public to help fundraise for a new state of the art MRI scanner for Wycombe Hospital has been remarkable.

"The new scanner will make a significant difference to our patients and the services we can offer.”