New Southend-on-Sea healthcare diagnostic centre opened by Team GB Olympic silver medallist, Adam Burgess

People in Southend-on-Sea and surrounding areas can now access the latest AI-enabled MRI and CT scanners for rapid diagnosis of health issues, following the opening of a new state-of-the-art facility by Adam Burgess, who won silver for Team GB in canoe slalom at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The new purpose-built extension to Spire Wellesley Hospital provides the latest healthcare diagnostic technology to NHS and private patients in local communities. Operated by skilled radiographers and reported by expert radiologists, the artificial intelligence (AI) enabled equipment reduces ‘noise’ in the scans delivering very high-quality images in quicker acquisition times, including better imaging of small, focused areas.

At the same time, it reduces the time patients are required to be in the scanners, improving appointment comfort and leading to greater diagnostic capacity.

Mr Antony Greer, Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Surgeon, Spire Wellesley Hospital, said:

“As a Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic surgeon, I understand how quickly imaging technology changes, so I am delighted our new state of the art diagnostic suite has now opened, bringing the latest cutting-edge MRI, CT, and ultrasound technology directly to our patients. The big advantages for our patients are quicker, quieter, low dose scans. As a surgeon the quality and resolution of the scans make it easier to diagnose accurately to give patients the very best advice I can, adding extra functions we couldn’t provide locally before now.”

Spire Wellesley Hospital’s services include spinal, orthopaedics, general, gastroenterology, urology and cancer diagnostics.

Dr Saman Perera, Consultant Radiologist, Spire Wellesley Hospital, added:

“The new diagnostic suite at the Wellesley is a significant development for the hospital. The state-of-the-art MRI scanner and the CT Scanner are producing beautiful images in a shorter time. This together with the new ultrasound facility will allow us to provide a much better service to our patients.” 

Team GB Olympic canoe slalom silver medallist Adam Burgess officially opened the new suite, saying:

“Rapid access to high-quality MRI and CT scans can make a real difference to people’s diagnosis and treatment, so I’m delighted to open this state-of-the-art centre at Spire Wellesley Hospital serving Southend-on-Sea and neighbouring communities.”

Spire Healthcare is Team GB Official Healthcare Services Partner.