Philips, a global leader in health technology and MRI expert, has installed 50 of its revolutionary BlueSeal 1.5T magnet, the world’s first helium-free MRI operations system.
This follows Philip’s launch of the BlueSeal MRI system in June 2024.
The 50th MRI system was installed at the new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at St Georges Health and Wellbeing Hub.
St George’s Health and Wellbeing Hub is the second to benefit from the MRI technology with Barking Community Hospital having opened in March.
Both CDCs, which are run by Barking, Havering, and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust are equipped with Philips BlueSeal 1.5T magnet, enabling the sites to deliver sustainable diagnostic testing across Havering and its neighbouring boroughs.
St George’s Health and Wellbeing Hub is the second to benefit from the MRI technology
Mark Leftwich, Managing Director at Philips UK and Ireland said: “Health technology can be a major driver of sustainable care for the NHS yet nearly one in five leaders rarely or never consider environmental impact within their tendering processes.
“The link between human and planet health is undeniable and technology like BlueSeal can help NHS services not only improve their carbon footprint but also shift care from treatment to prevention and hospitals to community due to its innovative design.”
The Philips BlueSeal MRI system is making waves in sustainable healthcare, as the UK’s health services contribute around 4.5% of the nation’s total carbon emissions.
This cutting-edge technology, which includes the Philips MR 5300 scanner paired with the BlueSeal magnet, is the world’s first 1.5T fully sealed magnet.
The reduced reliance on helium and the innovative design of the BlueSeal magnet also make it easier to deploy MRI services in previously underserved areas
Unlike traditional MRI systems, it requires only 0.5% of the helium typically used, reducing reliance on this scarce resource.
Since 2018, over 1.9 million litres of helium have been saved globally by MR systems equipped with Philips’ BlueSeal technology.
The reduced reliance on helium and the innovative design of the BlueSeal magnet also make it easier to deploy MRI services in previously underserved areas, including remote and isolated communities.
The magnet is 900kg lighter than traditional systems and eliminates the need for a quench pipe, which is typically required for expelling large volumes of helium in emergencies.
The magnet is 900kg lighter than traditional systems and eliminates the need for a quench pipe
This makes the technology more accessible and easier to install, even in smaller or less conventional settings.
Christiane Zelenyanszki, CDC Programme Director for BHRUT, said: “The environmental benefit of the scanner helps us as a Trust and local health centre be more sustainable, but it’s also great for our patients.
“The advanced technology means it’s a quicker and smoother scan and helps us address inequalities. It also comes with an auto voice which guides patients through their scan, helping support them by making them calmer and reducing anxiety.”