Charing Cross Hospital Orders The NHS' First High-field MRI Via The New NHS Supply Chain Framework

Main Category: MRI / PET / Ultrasound
Article Date: 11 Jan 2008 - 1:00 PDT

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Charing Cross Hospital in West London, part of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, has placed the first NHS order of the MAGNETOM(R) Verio 3T MRI scanner. This innovative new technology from Siemens Healthcare is the first of its kind for the NHS and also the first MRI to be purchased via the new NHS Supply Chain framework.

The MAGNETOM Verio is a high-field, 3 Tesla MRI system with a 70cm open bore and Total Imaging Matrix (Tim™) technology. It represents a new class of MRI technology that opens the door to high-field imaging for routine clinical procedures at an affordable price point. The new 3T system at Charing Cross Hospital will complement an existing 1.5T MR expanding the quality of patient care.

"The MAGNETOM Verio is an exciting addition to our MR product range. It delivers high performance, whilst also representing a sound investment for the future," states Julie Shepherd, MR Product Manager at Siemens Healthcare. "Three Tesla MR has traditionally been the reserve of high-end diagnostic imaging in university or research institutions. Siemens Healthcare has now pushed the boundaries of innovation to offer the very latest equipment for mainstream clinical procedures."

The Charing Cross Hospital order was placed via the new NHS Supply Chain initiative, a framework offering multiple imaging modalities under one agreement from the industry's leading suppliers. Jason Lavery, NHS Supply Chain's Clinical Markets Business Manager, comments, "We're delighted that the first MRI purchase via the new supply chain framework has happened so swiftly and smoothly. This is a fine example of how the new NHS procurement process can alleviate lengthy tenders and offer enhanced support to NHS Trusts in the selection of imaging systems."

The MAGNETOM Verio offers a number of advantages to hospitals and diagnostic centres. With the strongest magnet field strength used clinically, it can be used for many applications, including neurology and functional neuro evaluation, orthopaedic and cartilage assessment, breast, vascular and cardiac imaging. The 3T system optimises parallel imaging, accelerates scan time and improves visualisation as well as patient throughput.

It is the shortest 3T MR in the marketplace at 173cm, with a compact footprint of 33m² and ultra light magnet. No computer room is required, just two electronic water cooled cabinets that can be conveniently placed against the wall. It also offers a 70cm open bore. This larger space assists in the examination of claustrophobic and clinically obese patients.

About Siemens Healthcare

Siemens Healthcare is one of the world's largest suppliers to the healthcare industry. The company is a renowned medical solutions provider with core competence and innovative strength in diagnostic and therapeutic technologies as well as in knowledge engineering, including information technology and system integration. With its laboratory diagnostics acquisitions, Siemens Healthcare will be the first fully integrated diagnostics company, bringing together imaging and lab diagnostics, therapy, and healthcare information technology solutions, supplemented by consulting and support services. Siemens Healthcare delivers solutions across the entire continuum of care -- from prevention and early detection, to diagnosis, therapy and care. The company employs more than 49,000 people worldwide and operates in 130 countries. In the fiscal year 2007 (Sept. 30), Siemens Healthcare reported sales of €9.85 billion (on a pro forma basis including Dade Behring roughly €11 billion), orders of €10.27 billion, and group profit of €1.32 billion.

Siemens Healthcare

About NHS Supply Chain

NHS Supply Chain delivers a comprehensive, end-to-end supply service to it s customers and is committed to saving the NHS more than £1 billion over 10 years. Through its experienced suite of world-class logistics, procurement and customer support services, NHS Supply Chain enables customers to release the resources they need to focus on the delivery of frontline patient care and efficient cost base management. NHS Supply Chain supports the needs of more than 600 hospitals in England, working closely with NHS trusts to deliver high quality products across key product categories. Understanding the importance of value to its customers and working hard to form partnerships with suppliers to deliver sustainable value to the NHS. With this in mind NHS Supply Chain has developed a strategy to provide a centrally managed equipment solution to the NHS. The framework which covers multiple imaging modalities under one agreement will reduce the burden of additional tender exercises and deliver a complete imaging offering to all NHS departments. Providing value for money and streamlining the procurement process within the NHS.

NHS Supply Chain.

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