Patients with tumours and heart problems and joint problems are to benefit from a new �1m scanning facility at a north Wales hospital.

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner at the Wrexham Maelor Hospital was officially opened by Welsh Health Minister Jane Hutt on Thursday.

Jane Hutt will open the �1m scanner unit

Previously, patients had to rely on a mobile unit which visited the centre two days a week - which meant urgent scans were often delayed.

MRI scanners help doctors to accurately diagnose what is going on inside a patient's body.

They are of particular help in treating people with cancer, problems in bone joints and those who have neurological conditions.

The equipment works using magnetic and radio waves to produce pictures of the body's tissues.

During the scanning process, the patient lies inside a large, cylinder-shaped magnet which sends radio waves through the body.

To be able to make use of this throughout the working week will enable us to provide more rapid diagnosis for a number of patients

Lloyd Fitzhugh, chairman of the North East Wales NHS Trust

The new unit will be housed alongside a new CT scanner in a purpose-built building alongside the existing X-ray department.

Lloyd Fitzhugh, chairman of the North East Wales NHS Trust said the equipment will improve detection rates.

"I am pleased that we will be able to care for patients in a more comfortable and appropriate environment."

Before the introduction of the new unit, patients who required a scan had to walk outside to reach the mobile facility.

Mr Fitzhugh added: "Our experiences with the mobile unit have proven the benefits of this technology.

"To now be able to make use of this throughout the working week will enable us to provide more rapid diagnosis for a number of patients.

"This is an important day in the development of the hospital."