RESIDENTS are being asked to help buy a new mini MRI scanner for Royal Bournemouth Hospital.

Bournemouth Hospital Charity has launched an appeal to raise £300,000 for the new scanner to mark the 70th anniversary of the NHS.

The new scanner would help benefit elderly patients as well as people with leg or arm injuries or joint degeneration.

It is hoped it could also reduce waiting times and provide more comfortable treatment for radiology patients.

Members of the public are being encouraged to donate directly or hold fundraising events of their own.

Matthew Benbow, superintendent radiographer at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, said: “A new Mini MRI Scanner would be a great gift to celebrate 70 years of our NHS.

“It’s purposely designed to offer better comfort for patients undergoing arm or leg scans.

“Currently, these patients often have to lie in awkward positions in our larger and noisier MRI scanners.

“We estimate around 200 patients per month should be able to benefit from an extremity MRI instead and this will also free up appointment slots on the other scanners to help us cope with demand for other body areas.”

To make a donation, visit BHCharity.org/MRI-appeal/ or justgiving.com/campaigns/charity/rbch/minimri.

For information on how to set up a fundraising event, contact the charity office on 01202 704060.