Celebration as 10,000th patient scanned by Alliance Medical at The Essex Nuffield Hospital

A special celebration took place at The Essex Nuffield Hospital in Shenfield Road, Brentwood when the 10,000th patient was scanned. General Manager at The Essex Nuffield Hospital in Brentwood, Mr Jose Perez, said: "At a time when the British scientist who developed MRI scanning systems is receiving the Noble Prize we were also celebrating MRI success here at The Essex Nuffield Hospital.

"This month has seen the 10,000th patient to receive such a scan through the partnership we have with Alliance Medical.

"The first scan took place in May 1999 and we are delighted that so many Essex and East London residents have benefited from this procedure.

"We were delighted when the 10,000th patient to receive an MRI scan at the hospital, was able to join members of the medical team for this special celebration."

Opened in May 1999 by Jimmy Greaves, the hospital has now delivered a significant milestone in partnership with Alliance Medical. The purpose built centre cost £1.1M when built and has shown that the strength of the Alliance Medical and Nuffield Group partnership.

An MRI scan combines a powerful magnet with a sophisticated computer to produce pictures of any part of the body without the need for x-rays. The detail in these pictures is so good that the scanner can see a lesion as small as two millimetres, accuracy that helps in the early detection of disease and injury, allowing effective treatment to start sooner.

Dr Andy Dun, medical director for Alliance Medical, added “This a tremendous achievement and the excellent patient care delivered is a result of strong teamwork between The Essex Nuffield Hospital and Alliance Medical”.