Top cyclist opens state-of-the-art MRI scanner in Sheffield
South Yorkshire’s cycling superstar Russell Downing has opened a state-of-the-art MRI scanner at Sheffield’s Claremont Hospital.
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The hospital has invested £900,000 in a Siemens MAGNETOM Avanto 1.5 Tesla scanner which places Claremont at the leading edge of medical imaging in the region.
The scanner not only offers the highest quality images but will enable the Sandygate Road hospital to extend the range of examinations it can offer. The machine is much quieter, less claustrophobic and allows patients to listen to their I-Pod, CD or the radio.
Consultant radiologist Dr Robert Cooper said: “This scanner will allow us to extend imaging into new clinical areas such as cardiology and neurology, and the investigation of bowel conditions without having to expose patients to radiation and more invasive aspects of radiological imaging.
“The images are superb and it is a modern integrated scanner which means we will be able to network the scans within minutes to the clinicians who need to see them, both within Claremont and other hospitals.
“It marks a big step forward for the hospital, for healthcare in Sheffield and for the patients we serve.”
The new scanner, which is housed in a revamped MRI suite, will also enable Claremont to extend its range of musculoskeletal imaging as Tony Barrett, Hospital Director, explained: “The scanner will be a major boost to what we can do here clinically.
“For a number of years the Claremont has diagnosed and treated a wide range of international athletes, including footballers, runners and cyclists. Our new scanner allows us to produce much more detailed, accurate and quicker pictures of shoulders elbows, knees, hands and feet. This will benefit all sports people – from Olympic and World champions to enthusiastic local amateurs.”
The MRI Suite was opened by top Rotherham-based cyclist Russell Downing. After a successful 2009 and ranking Number 1 in the UK for the second year running Russell has finally got his chance to shine on the big stage with the recently formed Team Sky.
The 31-year-old, who won his first race at the age of seven, scored a career-best win at the 2009 Tour of Ireland over a high quality field that included Lance Armstrong.
He is now on the Pro-Tour with Team Sky, which aims to create the first British winner of the Tour de France within five years. Russell has already bagged two stage wins on the continent and said: “Competing on the Pro-Tour is something I have always dreamt of. This is the first time that British cycling has had a Pro-Tour team and it’s great to be part of that.”
Listen to the Russ Downing Interview
Listen to Tony Barrett, HMT Claremont director, on the new MRI Scanner
