A new MRI scanner and gamma camera have been installed at the Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust site, part of a wider programme to modernise radiology equipment across the John Radcliffe and Churchill hospitals.
Felicity Taylor-Drewe, chief operating officer at the NHS trust, said: "These new imaging facilities are a fantastic step forward for our patients and staff.
"They not only improve the quality and speed of diagnosis but also help us create a more comfortable and efficient experience for everyone who uses our services."
Installed through a managed equipment service partnership with medical equipment firm Ergéa UK, the upgrades are already improving patient comfort, speeding up diagnoses, and helping clinical teams to manage increasing demand.
The new MRI scanner supports up to 600 patients each month and features advanced imaging technology that reduces scan times and improves image quality.
This is especially important for patients undergoing neurological scans, where comfort and precision are key.
Cyrene Saga, advanced clinical specialist MRI radiographer at the trust, said: "Having this new MRI scanner significantly enhances patient comfort and advanced imaging techniques, which helps to reduce anxiety.
"It also increases scanning capacity and supports faster, more accurate diagnoses, enabling us to better manage waiting lists and deliver targeted treatments."
The gamma camera is also based at the John Radcliffe Hospital.
A gamma camera(Image: OUH)
Debbie Tolley, radiology clinical unit operations manager at the trust, said: "This upgrade has transformed the John Radcliffe Hospital nuclear medicine service.
"The gamma camera includes CT capabilities that improve diagnostic accuracy - particularly valuable for oncology and paediatric patients, where timely and detailed imaging is essential."
The installation also included a refurbishment of the Nuclear Medicine Department to create a more modern and welcoming environment for both patients and staff.
The new equipment forms part of a broader partnership between Oxford University Hospitals and Ergéa UK that began in 2021, initially focusing on radiotherapy and now expanding to include diagnostic imaging.
Earlier this year, the trust signed an agreement to replace four key pieces of radiology equipment and upgrade associated clinical spaces.
The programme also includes the introduction of a new neurology bi-plane fluoroscopy machine at the West Wing of the John Radcliffe Hospital and a PET/CT scanner at the Churchill Hospital.
Mike Leach, account director for transformation services at Ergéa UK, said: "This is more than just managing equipment - it's about supporting NHS trusts with flexible, vendor-neutral solutions so they can focus on what truly matters most: delivering the best possible care to patients."