Cricketer opens new hospital unit

The new scanner will be used by an extra 6,000 patients a year

England and Durham cricketer Steve Harmison has opened a new MRI unit at Wansbeck General Hospital in Ashington.

The bowler cut a ribbon at the centre, met staff involved in the service and talked to the first patient, Christine Walker, from North Shields, on Monday.

The unit will provide comprehensive diagnostic examinations for an extra 6,000 patients a year.

It is managed and operated by InHealth in partnership with Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust.

Rosemary Stephenson, executive director for clinical support and cancer services, said: "The new unit is part of our commitment to provide local services wherever possible.

"It was always our plan to build a permanent unit and this demonstrates that we have delivered on our promise."

Mr Harmison, said: "The new service will greatly benefit residents' lives and mean shorter waiting times for an examination. It also gives them a greater choice of where to have their scan."