Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust had a requirement for an additional scanner suite for research that included cardiac based study.
The Requirements
Following MTX’s successful delivery and installation of the PET-MR scanner suite in October 2016, Manchester Royal Infirmary established a requirement for another scanner facility and thus appointed MTX to carry out the works once more.
The addition of a new scanner would allow the hospital to cater for a larger patient intake and help minimise scan wait times.
The Solution
MTX produced a 2 storey scanner suite which was designed by AFL Architects. The ground floor houses the scanner room, with Siemens scanner and RF Cage, control room, waiting area, offices and technical store. The first floor is dedicated to the scanner’s plantroom.
The new facility is an extension to the hospital’s current MRI department and connects into the existing via link bridge, which comprises of glazed curtain wall panels.
The 130m² building is fully compliant and was constructed using a traditional foundation type. It utilises a lightweight steel frame offsite building system and is clad in traditional brickwork.
Specialist tests are carried out on the RF Cage to ensure it is working as the protective shield against the magnetic frequency caused by the MRI scanner. It is vital that these tests are carried out before the facility becomes operational as low-frequency magnetic fields can induce circulating currents within the human body and therefore could affect members of the public in the neighbouring corridor and department.
Main Considerations
As the new facility connects into a live department, one of the main considerations was interface with hospital staff and patients. As a result of strong communication throughout the project, MTX were able to plan ahead segregation of the corridor for key developments during the construction period, such as delivery and testing of the scanner.
In addition to this, the site was also in close proximity to the main road and therefore encounters with the general public was a safety risk.
Through careful logistical planning, MTX were able to erect safety barriers around the site compound and schedule road closures for the delivery of the scanner and any large materials. MTX also employed traffic marshals to help safely guide the traffic during these road closures.
The delivery of the MRI scanner, which was dry weather permitting, was successfully installed at the beginning of September and is set to go live in the Autumn.
