MRI machine to be installed at leisure centre site

A new MRI machine is to be made available on the grounds of a Surrey leisure centre for five years to help meet waiting time targets.

The device will be installed in a temporary building at Leatherhead Leisure Centre after plans for the scheme were backed by Mole Valley District Council.

The idea has been in motion for 18 months due to a shortfall in MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) access and missed waiting time targets, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

Councillor Roger Adams said: "I am all in favour of additional health facilities in this area."

The leisure centre in Fetcham was seen as the ideal location to help cut travel distances and relieve pressure on NHS hospitals, according to council documents.

Two staff members will occupy the site, which will comprise of a waiting room and a separate area for scanning.

The plans were approved despite the leisure centre being on green belt land, where new buildings are considered inappropriate unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated.

Officers told the meeting the circumstances were "special" as there was a specific need for this type of medical facility.

They also said that considering the five-year nature of the plan, the site would revert to its original protected status after the temporary building is removed.

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