SOUTHEND Hospital has launched a bid to raise more than £30,000 to make its MRI suite more child-friendly.

The aim is to use the money to create a “space-themed” environment which will make the MRI experience more tolerable and less daunting for young patients.

The fundraising team at the hospital is looking to raise £31,500 and is urging people to get involved and support the campaign.

Jacci Dearman, lead paediatric radiographer for MRI, said: “The MRI scan can last anything from 20 minutes up to one hour and this can be a daunting experience for a child.

“With this new feature, there is huge potential to make the experience more tolerable for our younger patients.

“It’s a distraction technique that will subsequently improve the quality of the scan as children are less likely to move during the scan.”

Currently there are no provisions in place to accommodate for children’s needs.

But this new feature will help create a more relaxing and enjoyable environment.

Young patients will be able to watch an introductory video on an iPad explaining what happens during a MRI scan and there will also be some 3D interactive apps offering an insight into what it will be like inside the scanner.

A mini toy MRI scanner will then allow children to understand the process and become familiar with the noise before going into the MRI machine.

The scan room will be space decorated to tap into a child’s imagination.

Once the scan starts, there will be the opportunity for the child to watch a DVD of their choosing via a periscope mirror with the “relax and view video system”.

Last month it was announced that Southend Hospital would receive a slice of £200million funding for new cancer screening equipment.

The hospital, alongside Basildon, was among 78 trusts awarded funding to “replace, refurbish and upgrade” CT and MRI scanners.

The latest state-of-the-art equipment will treat patients using lower radiation levels.

If you are part of a community group, school, college, local business or just keen to get involved, then get in touch with Southend Hospital to find out more about supporting the campaign.

Contact 01702 385337 or email fundraising@southend.nhs.uk