Chiefs strengthen Nuffield partnership

By Mark Stevens

Broken bodies can be part and parcel of modern-day rugby and for Exeter Chiefs it's no different with first team stars willing to put it all on the line in pursuit of on-field success.

Keeping players in tip-top condition and ensuring they receive first class care - on and off the field - is a key priority for the medical team at Sandy Park, who daily oversee the well-being of the 59-man squad.

This week, first team players Jonny Hill and England international Luke Cowan-Dickie helped to launch state-of-the-art equipment at Exeter's Nuffield Hospital, which will provide detailed body scans ensuring quick diagnosis and effective treatment.

The onsite MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner was launched at a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the hospital, which was attended by the club’s Head of Sports Medicine, Adrian Harris, Jamie Fulton (Lead Physio) and John Wood (Head of Corporate), as well as consultants and GPs.

As the Chiefs official healthcare partners, the MRI scanner at Nuffield will be used to monitor players at the Premiership Rugby club.

Mr Wood said: “It was great to see so many people at the launch event for the new MRI scanner. The medical team will now be able to identify injuries earlier which means we can get our players back to full health as quickly as possible which is great news."

The new piece of equipment, a £2m investment in healthcare technology for Exeter and Devon, will allow affordable and rapid access appointments and prompt reviewing of scans by the team of Consultant Radiologists based at the Wonford Road complex.

MRI scanners use strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce images of the inside of the body, allowing radiologists to diagnose a range of conditions. It is a painless and safe procedure.

Anna Pryce, Sales and Services Manager at Nuffield Health, said: “We’re delighted to have the Exeter Chiefs officially open our new MRI scanner. The launch party was attended by Consultants, GPs, members of our Patient Focus Group and staff, all of whom enjoyed drinks and canapés alongside tours of the new imaging suite. The new scanner offers greater flexibility of appointments, as well as improved comfort for patients.”

The scanner will join the suite of diagnostic radiology at the hospital including Mammography, X-ray and Ultrasound.

Nuffield Health Exeter Hospital is a private hospital located in the city centre. The hospital specialises in orthopaedic surgery, providing care for those undergoing hip, knee, spinal, shoulder or foot and ankle operations.