Final push for new MRI suite at Pinderfields Hospital

MY Hospitals Charity, who raise funds to support the work of Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, have launched an appeal to local communities across Wakefield, Pontefract and Dewsbury to get involved in the final push to raise the remaining funds for new diagnostic facilities at Pinderfields Hospital in Wakefield.

The £6 million development will see a new diagnostic suite created within Pinderfields, including the installation of a state-of-the-art 3.0 Tesla MRI scanner, is almost completely funded, with Trust budget allocations and a grant from NHS England. The Appeal to reach the philanthropic target of £1.25 million is now well underway at almost £500,000 raised, having secured some major grants from local corporate Sovereign Health Care and from the national grant-maker the Garfield Weston Foundation. Now, the charity is urging the local community to get behind the Appeal in a bid to raise the final £750,000 by the end of the year.

Miles for MRI

‘Miles for MRI’ is a fitness challenge with a competitive edge to mobilise the community. In 2022, the Trust conducted 34,221 MRI scans. Converted to steps, this huge number of scans equates to 17 miles. The charity is asking people to consider walking or running 17 miles over the course of a single day, week or month, gaining sponsorship to raise funds. Families with small children or less mobile people are encouraged to walk or run 1.7 miles.

Miles for MRI is a great motivation to get people out walking or running and being more active. You can take part on your own, as a family, a sports team or school class. Or, maybe as a team within a company, or department within the Hospital. You can sign up for Miles for MRI through creating a JustGiving fundraiser and track how you are performing against other teams.

Alternatively, fundraisers can create their own challenge; from dress down days, non-uniform days and cake sales, all support is welcome. Those with a head for heights might choose to take part in the MRI abseil, in partnership with Wakefield Cathedral on 16 September.

Len Richard, Chief Executive of Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust said;

“I’d like to thank those who have supported MY MRI Appeal already – from our partners who have made generous donations and people who have taken on challenges and time out of their busy lives to raise money for this cause.

“MY MRI Appeal is one of the largest projects the Charity has ever appealed for and we’re overwhelmed by the generosity of supporters.

“We’re excited to launch the next phase of the project and reach out to the public for their support to reach our target.

“We want to provide our patients with access to first-rate healthcare, facilities and services, as well as being invested in being at the forefront of cutting-edge research.

The Radiology department at Pinderfields Hospital ambition to build an MRI diagnostic suite will bring diagnoses and treatments in line with other major centres across the UK will truly be a game changer. Help us achieve extraordinary.”

Those wishing to donate to the appeal can do so here, to find out more contact the charity team on midyorks.myhospitalscharity@nhs.net