A major boost to diagnostic services is now available for patients across the West Midlands, as our hospital in Birmingham announces the opening of its new MRI suite – designed to support both private and NHS patients in the community with faster-access to diagnostics and reporting.
Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham, known locally as The Edgbaston Hospital, has unveiled its state‑of‑the‑art MRI facility, which will welcome its first patients this week. The new service strengthens the hospital’s commitment to offering high‑quality, convenient diagnostic imaging for individuals choosing to self‑pay or use their private medical insurance (PMI), alongside providing valuable additional capacity for the NHS and the community.
“Timely, accurate diagnostics are a vital first step in a patient’s journey.“
Ross Dowsett, Chief Executive
Accessing the service is straightforward. Private patients, whether choosing to self-pay or use their private medical insurance (PMI), can typically secure appointments within around two weeks, with detailed reports usually available within 48 hours. NHS patients can be referred by their GP, enabling the hospital to provide valuable additional diagnostic capacity across the region.
Representing a significant investment in accessible, modern healthcare, the development enhances Practice Plus Group’s growing diagnostic capability across its 12 hospitals nationwide. The suite, designed and built in partnership with Imaging Matters and Assura – a PHP Group Company, features a Siemens Magnetom Altea MRI scanner within a purpose‑built environment that includes calming décor and ambient lighting to support patient comfort.
MRI scans are vital in diagnosing serious conditions including cancer, neurological disorders and musculoskeletal injuries, where early diagnosis can significantly improve outcomes and help to alleviate stress in patients waiting for a medical opinion.
The MRI suite was officially opened by Practice Plus Group Chief Executive Ross Dowsett, alongside Dr Emmanuel Rupert, Managing Director and Group CEO of Narayana Health.
The scanner incorporates a wider bore design, giving patients more space during their scan, and uses Deep Resolve artificial intelligence technology to enhance image clarity and allow for some examinations to be completed more efficiently. This combination helps improve the overall patient experience, especially for those who may feel anxious or prefer minimal time in the scanner.
As part of the expansion, a dedicated cannulation room has been created, enabling the team to perform contrast‑enhanced imaging onsite in the near future. These specialist scans deliver highly detailed visualisation of tissues and structures, supporting more accurate diagnosis and effective treatment planning.
The MRI suite was officially opened by Practice Plus Group Chief Executive Ross Dowsett, alongside Dr Emmanuel Rupert, Managing Director and Group CEO of Narayana Health, which acquired Practice Plus Group last year and has committed to further investment across the organisation.
Ross Dowsett, Chief Executive of Practice Plus Group, said:
“Our new MRI suite in Birmingham reflects our commitment to improving access to high-quality diagnostic services for our patients. Timely, accurate diagnostics are a vital first step in a patient’s journey. The quicker we can assess patients, the sooner they can access the treatment they need.
“With our modern, patient-centred MRI capabilities now in place at our Birmingham hospital, we’re confident that more people will benefit from convenient, high-quality diagnostic services closer to home.”
“We are delighted to open our doors and play a positive role in supporting the health of our community.“
Samantha Doubleday, Hospital Director
The Birmingham team anticipates a welcome demand for its new service from those currently awaiting diagnosis or have health concerns.
Samantha Doubleday, Hospital Director at Practice Plus Group Birmingham, added:
“Birmingham is a vibrant, growing city, and we are proud to offer a new MRI facility that benefits both private patients and our NHS partners. Whether individuals choose to self‑fund, use private medical insurance or come to us through NHS referral routes, our aim is to provide a smooth, efficient and reassuring diagnostic experience. We are delighted to open our doors and play a positive role in supporting the health of our community.”
Alongside its enhanced diagnostic services, Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham continues to specialise in elective procedures including hip and knee replacements, hernia repairs, urology, ophthalmology and physiotherapy. Enquire about treatments at the hospital here.
