Spire Dunedin Hospital Supporting Reading FC players to Perform at Their Optimum Through Advanced Medical Care

• A relationship strengthened by experience with elite sport over the years

Spire Dunedin Hospital and Reading Football Club have enjoyed a successful working relationship for over 15 years, with Spire providing fast access to imaging, clinical assessments, and specialist treatment for first team players. This long-standing collaboration has now grown into a formal partnership, a natural step after over a decade of support.

Spire Dunedin has worked closely with the club’s medical and performance staff to ensure players receive the care they need, when they need it. A direct line – jokingly called the “player hotline” – between the club physiotherapists and Spire Dunedin’s imaging department and consultants has allowed players to access rapid diagnostics, including advanced MRI scans, often within hours of a request. 

Paudie O’Connor, one of the clubs first team players, stated: “As a player, you want clarity quickly and Spire provide that every time. Their team know us, understand the demands of football, and always go above and beyond to help.”

Paudie O'connor of Reading Football Club at Spire Dunedin Hospital's MRI suite during a recent visit. 

This efficient approach has helped the squad manage everything from routine assessments to more complex shoulder, knee, and spinal injuries, ensuring players can return to training and matches quickly, safely, and with confidence.

Michelle Ho, Imaging Manager at Spire Dunedin, added: “We are delighted to continue the long-standing relationship between Spire Dunedin Hospital and Reading Football Club. Personally, I have worked with Reading Football Club for over ten years and have greatly enjoyed my interactions with the medical staff and players, assisting them in their treatment pathways. The radiology team are committed to providing specialist imaging services, diagnostic expertise, and outstanding patient care to support the first team and academy.”

A major part of Spire Dunedin’s support for Reading FC is its use of cutting-edge MRI capability, particularly Deep Resolve, the advanced imaging technology the players rely on for rapid, precise diagnosis.

Deep Resolve MRI uses sophisticated algorithms to deliver exceptionally sharp images in a fraction of the usual time, with many scans completed in around 12 minutes. With this AI based technology both patients and consultants are benefitting significantly. Deep learning neural network models learn complex patterns from large volumes of data, enabling the system to produce sharper, clearer images by reducing noise and artefacts, even when using lower field magnetic scanners.

This gives the club’s medical staff quicker answers, clearer insights, and more confident return to play decisions, while also enabling consultants to begin supporting each player’s recovery as soon as possible.

Dr Timothy Ariyanayagam, Consultant Radiologist, explained: “As specialist musculoskeletal radiologists, we recognise that timely imaging and reporting are critical in elite sport. Rapid and accurate diagnosis allows informed clinical decisions to be made regarding treatment and rehabilitation, helping players return to training and competition safely and efficiently.

Our team assists with pre-signing medical assessments, including MRI examinations, and provides rapid access to X-ray, CT, and MRI imaging when injuries occur. In addition, we deliver specialist musculoskeletal ultrasound examinations and ultrasound-guided injections when clinically required, supporting both diagnosis and treatment.’

Importantly, this service isn’t just for the squad. The same fast track MRI access is available to the community, with appointments often available within 48 hours with a referral from a GP or physiotherapist, ensuring individuals and families across Reading benefit from the same level of care trusted by professional athletes.

Joe Jacobson, Reading Football Club’s Chief Executive Officer shared the club’s perspective on the partnership: “We’re really pleased to partner with Spire Dunedin Hospital, a trusted and respected local institution with an outstanding record of care. Their expertise and efficiency provide invaluable support to our medical and performance staff, ensuring our players have access to the very best treatment right here in Reading.”

Tania Terblanche, Hospital Director at Spire Dunedin says: “Our longstanding partnership with Reading Football Club reflects the trust we’ve built through years of expert, responsive care. While we’re proud to support elite athletes with rapid access to advanced diagnostics and specialist treatment, Spire Dunedin is first and foremost a community focused hospital. We offer a wide range of services for the whole family, ensuring everyone in Reading can benefit from the same high standard of care that helps keep the players performing at their best.”