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Service delivery (MRI physics)

We support the MRI service at UHS (and elsewhere) in several ways and assist with:

  • site planning, procurement and acceptance testing of new MRI scanners,
  • optimising imaging strategies to ensure that the most useful MR data are obtained,
  • playing a key role in ensuring that patients can be scanned safely.

We perform acceptance testing on new MRI scanners when they are first installed and then continue to monitor image quality by carrying out our regular quality assurance tests.

We are involved in many stages of the patient pathway. For example, we evaluate and implement advanced scanning techniques and advise on their use in individual patients, developing image analysis techniques and establishing clinical protocols for these. We also supervise more complex scans and assist with processing and reporting of these scans, such as functional MRI scans to assess language function in pre-surgical temporal lobe epilepsy patients.

Regarding patient safety, the MRI physics group act as Trust experts (and designated MR safety expert) on MRI safety. This involves providing advice for specific patients as to their suitability for MRI scanning, maintaining the MRI implant database, managing the MRI safety framework for the Trust, writing documents, and policies and generally advising on all aspects of MRI safety.

We work with a wide variety of healthcare professionals and researchers. Within the Trust we work very closely with MRI radiographers, radiologists, other clinicians, clinical service managers, Trust estates and the capital development team. We also liaise closely with Siemens as our radiology managed equipment service provider.