An exciting new collaboration between University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB), Cobalt and the Institute of Translational Medicine (ITM) will see the development of an innovative MRI research facility, to be known as the "ITM Imaging Centre" starting in September 2016.

Part funded by the well-established medical charity Cobalt, the bespoke purpose-built centre will utilise the very latest in Siemens MRI technology.

The service, jointly delivered by UHB and Cobalt, will introduce the newest techniques to routine clinical imaging appointments, enhancing the level of care provided to patients across a broad range of specialities at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham (QEHB).

In addition, the brand new centre will allow the development of research in the areas of oncology, liver disease, cardiology, neuro-science and trauma, contributing to the achievement of research outcomes delivered by the ITM.

Professor Stuart Green, Director of Medical Physics at QEHB said: “This exciting new venture, will allow researchers and clinicians to access to state-of-the art MRI facilities.

“As clinical demand for MRI at QEHB has grown year on year, this added service will allow the Trust to further deliver the best in care to our patients.”

Peter Sharpe, Chief Executive of Cobalt also spoke positively about the new project: “We are very proud to be working with the Institute of Translational Medicine and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham to deliver this new service.”

The centre is due to open its doors to its first patients in January 2017.