Further experience at the Bristol Centre, following the installation of a second MRI unit

A second magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine has been installed at the Bristol Centre, which therefore now has two systems (both 0.5T), working alongside, one being 5 years older than the other. This has allowed a virtual doubling of patient throughput. The financial cost of adding the necessary building extension and the comparative capital costs of the two machines, together with the differences in the cryogen requirements are itemized; as are the extra number of staff engaged. It is estimated that the new machine cost approximately half that of the original, bought in 1987, after allowing for inflation; and that the revenue costs have increased by only 25% in the first year, with a likely increase of about 45% in year two. One result has been that in Bristol, where there are now three MRI machines, myelography and knee arthrography as diagnostic procedures have almost disappeared.