A High Wycombe-based MRI centre has shown off its new £1.5million refurbishment.

A £1.5million MRI centre in High Wycombe has welcomed its first patients.

Practice Plus Group Diagnostics, Buckinghamshire - known locally as the Merlin Centre at Cressex, showed off its new look at he end of September, boasting its state-of-the-art facilities designed to boost capacity and enhance the patient experience.

The investment includes a new Siemens Magnetom Altea MRI scanner and a purpose-built suite with modern consulting rooms, calming décor, ambient lighting, and a wider scanner bore (the tunnel-like space inside the scanner), which provides patients with more room and helps reduce feelings of discomfort or claustrophobia.

This addition means the centre now has two permanent MRI scanners on site, and space for its mobile scanner if required - significantly increasing diagnostic capacity.

The first patient to have an MRI scan on the state-of-the-art machine, Mr Robert Peasley, 64, from Bourne End, said: “I was honoured to be the first patient to be scanned on this brand-new equipment.

“I came to the centre for an MRI scan of my head, which took around half an hour.

“The new MRI scanner was much wider than I’ve been used to in the past, which made me feel far more comfortable and relaxed - I was almost going to sleep at one point.

“The room itself was fresh and well presented, and the staff were very pleasant and reassuring throughout.

“Having had MRI scans since I was a child, I can honestly say this was right at the top of the scale.

“The whole experience left me feeling reassured, and I’d definitely recommend the centre to anyone needing a scan.”

Since opening its doors 20 years ago in August 2005, the High Wycombe-based centre has provided vital diagnostic imaging services to tens of thousands of NHS patients, including MRI scans, X-rays, ultrasounds, and echocardiograms.

Service Lead, Michelle Saunders added: “This investment represents a huge step forward for our service.

“We’re proud to play our part in reducing waiting times across the region and ensuring more people can move forward quickly with the treatment they need for many more years to come.”