A hospital has received Kent’s “most advanced” scanners as part of a multi-million-pound transformation programme.

The radiology department at Darent Valley Hospital welcomed three pieces of MRI equipment created by manufacturer Phillips.

Medical director Professor Seshadri Sriprasad said: “We are proud to have this scanner which has a great spectrum of imaging capabilities and a great help to the clinicians and most importantly, benefits patients.”

The new equipment at the Dartford hospital, which is part of a £4million investment, will be able to produce more detailed images, particularly of the brain, joints, and prostate.

They’ll also have special features which when fully established will help patients relax and reduce anxiety.

Darent Valley says they are investigating pathways of scanning under anaesthesia, something the hospital was not able to do previously.

The equipment was commissioned by Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust and went live in mid-August.

They have now been embedded and joined the hospital’s existing 1.5 Tesla scanner.

“A big thanks to the entire team of radiology and the management of Darent Valley Hospital who made this happen,” Professor Sriprasad said.

The scanners form part of major investment into the hospital’s radiology department, which is currently rated the best performing in England.