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Written question asked by Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green Party) on Thursday, 18 April 2024, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 2 May 2024. It was answered by Lord Markham (Conservative) on Thursday, 25 April 2024 on behalf of the Department of Health and Social Care.

Magnetic Resonance Imagers: Helium

Question

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure minimal usage of helium in MRI scanners in NHS facilities in the light of the global shortage of helium; and what steps they are taking to ensure all helium in scanners being replaced is reused appropriately.

Answer

Suppliers of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanners are moving to a sealed helium solution, whereby the helium required to cool the magnet is approximately 0.5% of the current levels. These sealed systems will also ensure MRI scanners do not require further helium to be added during years of operational use.

Furthermore, suppliers are now replacing MRI scanners without requiring the magnet to be replaced, though this is only available for the first replacement cycle, whereby the scanner is fully replaced, but the existing magnet and helium are retained.

With regards to the Department, as set out in the recent Medical Technology Strategy: One Year On publication, the Design for Life Programme has been stood up to work with industry, the health and care sector, and academic partners to develop medical technology systems that support reuse, remanufacture, and material recovery becoming the default. This includes developing regulatory, commercial, digital, and policy environments that support this aim. The Department’s intention is to publish a roadmap later this year to articulate our relevant findings and plans moving forward.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL3927
Session
2023-24
Subjects
Shortages Magnetic resonance imagers Helium
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk