Practice Plus Group has unveiled a new bespoke magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suite at its Birmingham hospital, increasing diagnostic capacity for both National Health Service (NHS) and private patients across England’s West Midlands region.

The 105m² modular-built facility, delivered in partnership with Imaging Matters and Assura, features a Siemens MAGNETOM Altea MRI scanner with artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled imaging and patient-focused design. Private patients can typically be seen within two weeks, with reports returned within 48 hours, while NHS patients can be referred via their GP to help ease regional waiting list pressures. Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham, known locally as the Edgbaston Hospital, expects to perform around 60 scans per month.

Leigh Melville, Managing Director of Imaging Matters, said: “The Edgbaston MRI extension showcases the benefits of Modern Methods of Construction in healthcare, delivering a wholly fit-for-purpose extension, in a shorter time frame. This ensures scanning capacity can be delivered sooner, improving outcomes for local patients.”

Practice Plus Group Chief Executive Ross Dowsett officially opened the suite alongside Dr Emmanuel Rupert, Managing Director and Group CEO of Narayana Health, which acquired Practice Plus Group last year.

The investment strengthens Practice Plus Group’s diagnostic network and supports more efficient patient pathways across its 12 UK hospitals.

Phoenix Hospital Group recently launched a prostate MRI screening service.