First Contact Health clinic, based in St Peter Port, already had an Extremity MRI scanner which was used so often that the need for a full-body scanner was identified.

It was officially opened by the Lieutenant Governor last week and has already been used.

His Excellency, Lieutenant General Richard Cripwell CB, CBE cut the ribbon on the Philips Ingenia Ambition MRI on Thursday, and was shown how it works.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body. The clinic describes its new bit of kit as “the Bailiwick’s largest and most up-to-date full-body scanner”.

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Pictured: The Lieutenant Governor was shown how the new body scanner works last week.

Peter Watson, Chairman of First Contact Health, said: “we see our new MRI scanner as being a key player in fighting curable diseases in the islands.” 

“Because of waiting lists it can take considerable time for islanders with painful conditions to get scans and reports. Our new MRI scanner will make a significant contribution to the health of islanders,” he said.  

“Not only will it be available for examining patients’ muscle and bone problems but will be a hugely valuable tool in preventative medicine. 

“We have been greatly encouraged by the popularity and success of our Extremity MRI scanner which we use for accurate musculoskeletal diagnosis. We recognised there was a genuine requirement for another full-body scanner on island. MRI scans are seeing a growth of 13% per annum and this will help to reduce the waiting list at the Princess Elizabeth Hospital and speed up access to treatment for islanders.”