MIG Medical installs medical gas systems for MRI simulation suite
Based in St James’s Hospital, the Leeds Cancer Centre is one of the most advanced cancer treatment centres in the UK. One of seven centres of excellence, the department is also one of the first in the country to own a dedicated MRI simulator.
In order for the new simulator to be operational, St James’s Hospital required new medical gas systems to be installed in the MRI simulation suite.
The hospital approached MIG Medical and Redstone Buildings Services, who were tasked with installing new pipelines for oxygen, nitrous oxide, medial air, vacuum and anaesthetic gas scavenging systems (AGSS).
However, the project presented a significant challenge, requiring the new pipework to be run in live patient areas.
Working closely with Redstone and the site’s authorised person (AP), MIG ensured all work was conducted outside of normal working hours in order to minimise disruption to the department and safeguard patient wellbeing.
During a scheduled shutdown of medical gas services, new mains supply pipelines were installed and connected into the existing hospital building’s supply mains, along with NIST lockable line valves.
Pipework was then distributed at a high level throughout the area to supply the new area valve service unit (AVSU) module, which controls anaesthesia and examination room terminal units housed within bedhead trunking units.
An AGSS control switch was installed in the control room, and we also installed a SAX-6 alarm panel and connected it to the AVSU module to replicate the correct gas conditions.
On completion of the installation, we then tested and commissioned the pipeline system and equipment to ensure they complied fully with HTM 02-01 regulations.
Carl Mitten, director of MIG Medical, said: “This was an extremely sensitive project, both in terms of the level of care needed to safeguard patient wellbeing and the skill required to install pipelines in such a valuable medical suite.
“Leeds Cancer Centre is leading the way in the development of new and advanced radiotherapy techniques and I’m pleased that we were able to contribute our own expertise in order to get the new MRI simulator suite operational.”
