Andover War Memorial Hospital gets go ahead for new MRI unit

Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust lodged plans to extend Andover War Memorial Hospital to provide an MRI suite in a small extension to the hospital building. 

The new centre will replace the current mobile unit that has been located on the Charlton Road site since November 2022.

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Last month Test Valley Borough Council approved the hospital trust's planning application. 

It said: "By virtue of the size (bulk and mass) and design of the proposal, it’s juxtaposition relative to neighbouring property, and the nature of the intervening boundary treatment the proposal would not give rise to an adverse impact on the living conditions of neighbouring properties by virtue of loss of daylight, sun light, or privacy." 

The permanent centre is expected to provide better accommodation, particularly in terms of patient waiting, preparation, and recovery spaces.

The trust previously said in its application: "This will enable a combined improved staff and patient experience for CT and MRI, and allow a range of imaging to be taken to enhance care in the community for the residents of Andover and the wider Test Valley." 

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The new building will be located next to the current CT scanner unit.

The application added: "This CT unit is located at the rear of the hospital, in close proximity to the main two-storey hospital building. The proposed extension will provide a common entrance to both the new MRI unit and the existing CT unit, accessed from an existing pavement (which will need realigning around the new footprint.)" 

The MRI unit is provided as a modular single-storey unit due to the installation constraints with the large equipment required.

The trust has said there will be no change to overall patient numbers and therefore 'negligible impact on parking requirements'.