Staff, patients, and the local community are celebrating a major milestone this week as Practice Plus Group Diagnostics, Buckinghamshire – known locally as the Merlin Centre – marks 20 years of delivering high-quality diagnostic services to the region.
“Over the past 20 years we’ve been a driving force in providing the best patient experience and outcomes possible to people in our community. We simply want our patients to be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible.”
Michelle Saunders, Service Lead at Practice Plus Group Diagnostics, Buckinghamshire
Since opening its doors 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. Currently, the centre performs in the region of 3,300 scans a month!
Over two decades, the facility has played a pivotal role in supporting NHS waiting list reductions in the region, while more recently offering private diagnostics through its Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group service. The scans available at the centre give patients answers so they can start the treatment they need as soon as possible, or have peace of mind if no treatment is necessary.
Since launching two decades ago, the site has expanded its range of services for patients and also added a dedicated musculoskeletal (MSK) facility in 2011 to treat patients presenting with a wide variety of conditions including arthritis, sports injuries and soft tissue conditions. The centre has extended its opening times too over the years to accommodate the growing service and patient needs and lifestyle – and is open seven days a week, including bank holidays and late evenings.
Coinciding with the 20th anniversary, the centre is undergoing a significant £1.5m investment to expand and enhance its services to meet the increasing demand for both NHS and private patients across Buckinghamshire and neighbouring counties. This includes the installation of a new state-of-the-art MRI scanner this autumn, adding to the site’s existing MRI capabilities to now include two permanent scanners and space for its Mobile MRI scanning unit if required.
In addition to its clinical enhancements, a refurbishment of its patient reception area is also underway. The project will introduce modern digital signage, improved waiting areas and an enhanced environment to welcome patients and visitors to the centre.
“Many people come in really nervous to have an MRI scan…I stay with them, talk them through it, help them relax…If we spot someone struggling, we adjust – we do what we can to support the patient so that they get the outcome they need.”
Sue Flitney, Imaging Assistant at Practice Plus Group Diagnostics, Buckinghamshire
Practice Plus Group Diagnostics, Buckinghamshire, has a team of 60 employed and regular bank staff – some of whom have been with the facility since day one and are proud to celebrate their 20 years service.
Sue Flitney, Imaging Assistant, has worked at the centre since the very beginning and continues to play a vital role in patient experience. At 77, she has no plans to retire and loves the patient contact and friendly nature of her colleagues. Initially joining as a receptionist in 2005, Sue transitioned into a hands-on clinical role, where her natural empathy and calm manner have made a big impact.
“Many people come in really nervous to have an MRI scan,” says Sue. “I’m claustrophobic myself, so I understand it. I stay with them, talk them through it, help them relax. Sometimes, you’re a bit of a counsellor too as people open up about everything. You don’t want someone leaving without having their scan because they are too nervous as that can set them back. If we spot someone struggling, we adjust – we do what we can to support the patient so that they get the outcome they need.”
Senior Radiographer, Sam Adeniran is also celebrating 20 years with Practice Plus Group this year. Having started his journey at the company’s surgical centre at St Mary’s, Portsmouth, Sam moved to Buckinghamshire in 2017 to pursue his passion for MRI, and has helped the centre grow its specialist offering.
“The centre has changed a lot since I joined – in a really positive way,” says Sam. “We work closely as a team, like a family, helping each other and delivering high-quality care. MRI is my passion. I love helping people and being able to give them answers through high-quality imaging. We’re seeing more private patients coming through using our Wellsoon private healthcare service. The demand for MRI is massive, and NHS facilities are overwhelmed. People just want answers quickly, and private services like ours help meet that need. The uptake has been great, and the feedback really reflects that.”
Commenting on the centre’s milestone, Michelle Saunders, Service Lead at Practice Plus Group Diagnostics, Buckinghamshire, added:
“We’re overwhelmingly proud of our team, and celebrating two decades of patient care together feels incredible. We always aim to create an exceptional experience for all of our NHS and private patients, and are dedicated to delivering the highest standards of quality and safety.
“Over the past 20 years we’ve been a driving force in providing the best patient experience and outcomes possible to people in our community. We simply want our patients to be diagnosed and treated as quickly as possible.”
