Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust has submitted planning proposals to create a dedicated MRI suite at Queen Alexandra Hospital. The work would reconfigure part of the existing building frontage to make room for a new magnetic resonance imaging scanner and associated support facilities.
What the scheme would deliver
The application describes internal alterations and modest external adjustments to provide the space required for the scanner and support areas. Planned elements include:
- Dedicated MRI suite to house a single new scanner
- Reception and waiting area
- Changing rooms and preparation and recovery space
- Bed bay and other support accommodation
- A secure fenced compound to protect equipment
Hospital documents explain the façade will be extended where it currently "steps inward" so the internal floorplate can be enlarged without altering the overall appearance of the building.
“Moving forward with our planning application is an important step in delivering a new MRI suite at the hospital. The additional scanner will increase our diagnostic capacity, helping us meet rising demand and ensuring patients can access scans, diagnoses and treatment sooner.” — Martin Fuller, Divisional Operations Director for Clinical Delivery and Family Services
Why it matters locally
Adding MRI capacity at Queen Alexandra is intended to reduce backlogs and speed up diagnosis across a range of conditions. MRI is routinely used for neurological, musculoskeletal and some oncological investigations; delays in scanning can hold up treatment plans and specialist referrals.
The trust says the extension will fit within the existing hospital estate and preserve vehicular and pedestrian access arrangements. A secured external compound around the new department is included to protect sensitive equipment and prevent unauthorised entry.
Practical implications and next steps
The planning application is an early but necessary stage: if approved, the trust will be able to proceed to build and install the scanner. The trust has framed the project as an infrastructure upgrade to meet rising patient demand.
| Element | Included in proposal |
|---|---|
| New MRI scanner | Yes (single unit) |
| Reception / waiting | Yes |
| Changing / recovery rooms | Yes |
| External compound | Yes (secure, fenced) |
Residents and patients looking for updates should watch the local planning portal and the trust's communications channels for decision notices and construction timelines. The trust has not announced a start date or completion timetable in the planning documents released so far.
The proposal forms part of wider efforts by NHS organisations to expand diagnostic services to cope with increased demand and reduce waiting times for scans and subsequent treatment.
