New Harley Street diagnostics clinic opens with the support of equipment and finance from Siemens
Marris Medical is offering high-quality diagnostic imaging, as well as an ‘office-based laboratory’ for a range of minimally invasive procedures, improving access to care. Finance from Siemens Financial Services (SFS) and equipment from Siemens Healthineers was integral to the clinic’s launch in the UK.
Dr Ammad Hussain
Consultant radiologist and Chairman of Marris Medical, Dr Ammad Hussain, first visited Siemens in Erlangen at ten years old. Dr Hussain’s family runs a tertiary hospital chain and university in Pakistan, and this first trip was to purchase an MRI scanner; which was to be the first scanner in their province. In fact, the family-run organisation has been a Siemens partner for over forty years.
Today, Dr Hussain is handling equipment acquisitions for his own polyclinic and diagnostic centre that he set up in Dubai. He has now opened a diagnostics clinic in London too, providing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and ultrasound services, as well as an office-based laboratory (OBL) – a UK-first according to the clinic.
A concept that has been successfully applied in the United States for over two decades, an OBL is a specialised facility for a range of minimally invasive operations employing modern image-guided therapeutic techniques for multiple specialities. Our OBL will initially offer personalised pain management treatments and interventional radiology services through a patient-centred, multidisciplinary approach. This includes, for instance, spine or joint injections using a C-arm machine. These procedures require minimal sedation and are therefore ideal for the ‘mini operating theatre’.
The clinic’s approach to healthcare delivery eases access to care, and reduces costs and wait times – especially in pain management, where waiting times are not consistent, and sometimes much longer than referral-to-treatment targets.
Quality products for quality care
To optimise efficiency, Marris Medical is committed to using the latest, high-resolution equipment for all MRI examinations. All devices contain the latest software that allows for high-quality imaging with an up to 73% boost in scan speed. This is particularly helpful for individuals who prefer shorter scan times, or those who may have difficulty staying still.
Dr Hussain explains why Siemens Healthineers was his first port of call when he needed an MRI scanner, an ultrasound machine and a mobile C-arm machine for X-rays. “Siemens Healthineers makes quality, market-leading products, that I’m very comfortable using. It was my first time working with Siemens Financial Services (SFS), and it was helpful to get both the equipment and finance under one roof, so to speak. SFS are already familiar with the machines and the industry itself, so I didn’t have to explain my requirements in depth.
“When my project was delayed, the team at SFS was accommodating and understanding. I felt the benefit of their experience, as they understood the challenges I was facing, and kept in touch with me. Throughout the delays, they did not drop the ball on approaching deadlines, which was reassuring.
“If SFS had backed out, I would not have been able to open my clinic. It’s that simple. It’s not easy to access financing as a new company with no income, but the long-term relationship with Siemens gave SFS the confidence to work with us.
“We agreed on a 7-year financing term for the MRI and C-arm, and a 5-year term for the ultrasound system. The whole financing process was very structured and organised. I was able to sign off documents digitally and without any hassle. I am hoping to build on the success of this clinic with further expansion, and I would be more than happy to partner with SFS again.”
Penny Pinnock, Public Sector and Healthcare Finance Sales Manager at SFS UK, commented: “Private sector support is essential to relieve pressure on our healthcare system – but private organisations also need help acquiring the latest equipment. State-of-the-art machines allow independent clinics to support as many patients as possible, and with highly accurate and clear results.
“At SFS, we work with customers in a tailored way, listening to their specific challenges, and then working through these challenges to come to the best solution. It means we can offer financing where other providers may hesitate. It has been a pleasure to support Marris Medical’s rapid advancement in providing high-quality imaging technology.”
