A NEW state of the art MRI scanner is being installed at East Surrey Hospital in Redhill.

The full-body scanner is the first "wide-bore" one in the UK, with a larger diameter to accommodate claustrophobic and obese patients.

The £1.7 million scanner promises to offer a faster, more comfortable and accurate diagnosis for patients.

Andrew Millard, of Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, said: "It is a very exciting project and time for the trust and East Surrey Hospital.

"We are proud to have the new scanner as the first in the UK. It will bring many benefits to patients and staff, including reduced waiting lists and scanning time, more accurate diagnosis and an overall better patient experience.

"The installation of the wide-bore scanner requires skilled technicians and engineers working with the trust to ensure the highest quality imaging and positioning."