Royal Brompton Hospital expands diagnostic capabilities

The Harley Street Medical Area’s Royal Brompton Hospital has announced the official opening of a new heart and lung centre. The Diagnostic Centre at Royal Brompton Hospital brings together the very latest in imaging technology for the diagnosis of heart and lung disease, coupled with pioneering research.

The Royal Brompton Hospital is committed to providing the best facilities to deliver specialist heart and lung treatment. The hospital’s imaging facilities already offered patients access to cutting-edge diagnostic services; the new Diagnostic Centre – situated in the heart of Chelsea – enhances this unique offering.

The Princess Royal meets staff at The Diagnostic Centre at Royal Brompton Hospital

The new centre has been specially fitted with some of the most advanced clinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners in the world, helping to increase diagnostic capabilities, reduce scanning times and improve overall patient experience. This is all housed within a bigger, better space – co-designed with clinical teams and patients to ensure the best possible care.

The purpose-built facility makes use of specially commissioned artwork and light installations to help patients feel more relaxed and at ease in waiting areas, corridors and treatment rooms. Built by Kier and designed by architects Murphy Philipps, it is spread over four floors (two above and two below ground level) and houses:

— Cardiac MRI service (one of the leaders in its field in Europe)
— Echocardiography service
— Cardiac and lung cancer radiology service
— Interventional bronchoscopy service (one of the most advanced of its type in the UK)

The plans for the Diagnostic Centre began in 2018, with construction starting in January 2020, meaning that most of the building work took place in the midst of the pandemic. The excavation took a total of three months to complete, including the use of 50 lorries to transport the equivalent of four Olympic-sized swimming pools of material from the site. 

The new centre has been open to patients since January this year and was officially opened by the Princess Royal in May.