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# Alder Hey becomes first paediatric hospital in Europe to install 3-Tesla MRI scanner
- URL: https://med-techinsights.com/first-mri-scanner-of-its-kind-in-europe-installed-at-alder-hey/
- Published: 2025-07-10T13:26:36.000Z
- Updated: 2026-10-22T08:03:58.000Z
- Description: Alder Hey Children’s Hospital in Liverpool has become the first paediatric hospital in Europe to install a 3-Tesla MRI research scanner dedicated to research. The hospital said the installation was a major step forward for medical research in the region and beyond. The ‘state-of-the-art’ scanner, fu
- Author: Oliver Johnson
- Tags: Medical Device Manufacturing, News, Research & Development

[**Alder Hey Children’s Hospital**](https://www.alderhey.nhs.uk/?ref=med-techinsights.com) in Liverpool has become the first paediatric hospital in Europe to install a 3-Tesla MRI research scanner dedicated to research. The hospital said the installation was a major step forward for medical research in the region and beyond.

The ‘state-of-the-art’ scanner, funded by the [**National Institute for Health and Care Research**](https://www.nihr.ac.uk/?ref=med-techinsights.com) (NIHR), will primarily support research, and is only the second of its kind in the world says Alder Hey. The hospital says it will provide faster, more detailed imaging and improve patient comfort.

Alder Hey says the scanner will be used to improve diagnosis and treatment for patients of all ages, from newborns to older adults.

The hospital said that the scanner offers increased capacity for research scans at a time when clinical demand for MRI continues to grow. Its availability will enable researchers to conduct vital studies, including early-phase clinical trials and high-intensity experimental medicine research, without competing with routine clinical imaging needs.

“MRI scanners are a valuable tool for research, but they are often in heavy demand clinically, and therefore not available for research purposes. The new 3-T MRI scanner at Alder Hey means more research for Alder Hey, and as the scanner is available to use for partner organisations such as hospitals, universities and industry, too, they can now work with us on game-changing research,” said Jason Taylor, Research General Manager at Alder Hey.

The 3-Tesla MRI scanner offers a “calm, child friendly environment” according to the hospital, with features such as an immersive scan room with lighting, sounds, and video projections; in-bore entertainment, allowing children to watch things like TV shows during scans; and lightweight, more comfortable equipment.

One of the first studies taking place at Alder Hey will involve scanning newborns during natural sleep to explore how early life and environment affect brain development.

Professor Shivaram Avula, Consultant Radiologist at Alder Hey said: “This new state of the art scanner is a game-changer for imaging and research. It provides us the imaging speed, resolution and flexibility needed to lead the way in studying childhood and adult conditions.

“It allows researchers to have consistent access to the MRI which has often been limited due to high clinical demand, Magnetic Resonance Imaging is essential for medical research as it provides high-resolution structural and functional insights into the body which is crucial for tracking disease progression, detecting early warning signs, and evaluating the effectiveness of treatment.”

The hospital says it expects the scanner to attract national and international collaborations, which it says will help not only the local communities but also play a role in global medical advancements.

Prof. Avula added: “We know that children and families are eager to take part in research. This scanner gives them that opportunity and helps us build the knowledge needed to improve care for generations to come.”