21 January 2026
Patients with fitted cardiac devices such as pacemakers are able to have MRI scans for the first time at the Trust, which runs the county’s acute hospitals.
The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust (SaTH), which runs the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital (RSH) and Princess Royal Hospital (PRH) in Telford, has scanned approximately 30 patients with implanted devices since the service launched at RSH in July.
Previously, these patients would have had to travel outside of the area to an alternative hospital trust for an MRI scan.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses a large, circular magnet and radiowaves to produce clear computer images of almost any part of the body. The images can be used to diagnose patients and check how well treatments have worked.
Historically it was considered unsafe for patients with pacemakers or implantable cardiac defibrillators to go into an MRI scanner because of the metal content.
Advances in medical science mean that they can now be manufactured in a way that makes them ‘MRI conditional’, so the patient can potentially have an MRI scan if required, assuming they meet certain criteria.
Dr John Jones, Executive Medical Director, said: “It is fantastic that we are able to offer safe MRI scans closer to home for patients with cardiac devices, resulting in better health outcomes for our communities.
“Until recently we would have to use alternative imaging on some of these patients, which in many cases, is less effective than an MRI scan.
“It means that more of our patients are now benefitting from the most up-to-date technology, which provides them with faster and more detailed examinations to help plan their treatment.
“Our highly skilled teams within radiology and cardiorespiratory have worked closely together, alongside medical physics experts at University Hospitals of North Midlands, to deliver this modern service, marking another positive step forward to improve care for patients right across Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin.”
Helen Williams, Centre Manager for Radiology, said: “We have scanned around 30 patients with implanted devices so far, and we are seeing the difference this is making for those patients and their loved ones.
“They are getting quicker access to the scans they need and no longer have to make a trip to a different hospital much further away.
“The additional safety checks and specialist skill mix required for these scans means that the service we can offer is currently limited, but we hope to be able to build on the exciting progress we have made and help many more of our patients.”
Photo caption: Members of the Radiology and Cardiorespiratory teams at SaTH with the MRI scanner at RSH