Jane McDonald opens £6m hospital MRI suite

TV personality Jane McDonald has officially opened a new £6m MRI suite in Wakefield.

The state-of-the-art facility at Pinderfields Hospital will allow the hospital to carry out MRI scans under general aesthetic for children.

Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust said it meant fewer families would need to travel to Leeds or Sheffield for care.

McDonald, who was born in the area, donated to the MRI appeal after it was launched in 2022.

The trust said, during a previous visit to meet staff who had signed up to the Great North Run to raise money for the facility, the singer pledged to match their fundraising efforts.

McDonald said it was a "real privilege" to open the diagnostic suite.

"As a proud Wakefield lass, I'm deeply passionate about supporting our local hospital trust because I know just how much it means," she said.

"And we're finally here, cutting the ribbon to this amazing MRI diagnostic suite, which will be so crucial to Wakefield and surrounding areas.

"This new facility represents a major step forward in delivering the best possible care to patients, and I hope everyone shares my sense of pride today as we celebrate this important milestone for our community."

The development was funded through grants, budget allocations and fundraising.

The appeal was to ensure the new suite could include an advanced MRI scanner and cover the associated training costs.

Trust chairman Keith Ramsay said: "The generosity of businesses, faith leaders, communities and individuals who have contributed to the MY MRI Appeal is a testament to the incredible community spirit and support for the NHS in Wakefield and North Kirklees.

"This is the largest fundraising project our charity has ever undertaken, and we have been overwhelmed by the response."

It was hoped the MRI suite would also reduce wait times and improve patient care for years to come.

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