A market leading scanner has been unveiled at St Joseph’s Hospital as part of a £1.3m project – the latest stage in a £4m overhaul, which began in February.

The new Magnetom Sola 1.5T MRI from Siemens Healthineers is the only one of its kind in an independent hospital within a 100-mile radius of Newport.

The new state-of-the-art MRI scanner provides the clearest images achievable, making St Joseph's Hospital one of the most technically advanced diagnostic centres in Wales and the South West.

This is the latest in a long line of hospital developments this year, which include refurbishing wards, new flooring, and a roll out of air conditioning. The new scanner will be used alongside the existing Aquilion ONE 640 Slice CT scanner.

Jane Carpanini, director of advanced diagnostics at St Joseph’s Hospital, said: "I am so excited that St Joseph’s Hospital will be able to offer an outstanding patient experience with the best image quality in the shortest scan time.

“It is the market leader for MRI and we’re thrilled to secure it as part of our multi-million-pound investment this year.”

Celebrating its 75th anniversary next year, St Joseph’s offers consultant-led personalised care. An independent hospital, St Joseph’s was founded by the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Annecy in 1945, two years before the birth of the NHS.

Sister Susan, who worked at the hospital for more than 20 years, was on hand to unveil the new scanner.

Officially a green site, St Joseph’s Hospital is not treating any Covid-19 patients. During the Covid spike the hospital committed its staff, beds, diagnostics, facilities, and expertise to fully support the NHS. It continues to work in partnership with the NHS, providing capacity at a challenging time.

Stuart Hammond, chief executive of St Joseph’s Hospital, said: “Our diagnostic facilities will be the some of the most advanced available in Wales and the South West, offering a preventative and proactive approach to healthcare, and our refurbished facilities and bespoke, personal service will provide our patients with a safe environment for recuperation.”