Rotherham cycle star unveils £900,000 scanner

A ROTHERHAM cycling ace has officially unveiled a hospital’s state-of-the-art MRI scanner.

Tour of Ireland champion Russell Downing was picked to cut the ribbon as the suite where the scanner is based was officially opened at Claremont Hospital in Sheffield.

The hospital has invested £900,000 in the piece of kit which places the private hospital at the leading edge of medical imaging in the region.

After a successful 2009 and ranking number one in the UK for the second year running, Russell has been given 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 was picked to unveil the scanner because the hospital’s patients include many top-level sportsmen and athletes.

The scanner not only offers high quality images but will enable the hospital to extend the range of examinations it can offer.

The machine is much quieter, less claustrophobic and allows patients to listen to their iPod, CD or the radio while being scanned.

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.

"It marks a big step forward for the hospital, for healthcare in Sheffield and for the patients we serve."

The piece of equipment, which is housed in a revamped MRI suite, will also enable Claremont to extend its range of musculoskeletal imaging.

Tony Barrett, hospital director, said: "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."