A new MRI scanner which is one of the most technically advanced has now been officially opened at Spire Clare Park Hospital.

To mark the occasion, local MP Mr Ranil Jayawardena and consultant radiologist Dr Hywell Evans officially opened the new Optima MR450w 1.5T with GEM suite imaging facility at Spire Clare Park Hospital radiology department.

Photograph (left to right): Dr Penny Pontet, Mr Ranil Jaywardena, Dr Hywell Evans, cutting the ribbon to open the new MRI suite.

MP Ranil Jayawardena of north-east Hampshire said: 'It is great to see the investment that Spire Healthcare is making in our local area. Clare Park now benefits from the latest equipment and this is good news for local residents, as both NHS and private patients can use these facilities. Having met the staff, I saw first-hand their dedication and I wish everyone well'.'

The optima MR450w 1.5T scanner with Gem suite uses magnetic fields, radio waves and advanced computing to acquire images, which are thin slices taken in multiple planes through the body. This is a large wide-bore system around four feet long and completely open at both ends, so we can scan everything feet first ensuring you will be as comfortable as possible.

MR images are very good at demonstrating soft tissues like ligaments, muscle and cartilage allowing radiologists and physicians to evaluate anatomy and certain diseases that may not be assessed adequately with X-ray, ultrasound, or computed tomography (CT).

Dr Penny Pontet, the hospital director of Spire Clare Park Hospital said: 'I am proud of the continued investment in state-of-the-art facilities at Clare Park, we want to give our patients access to the best diagnostic equipment.'