An independent medical charity has picked up an award for “innovation and excellence” in their industry.

The Paul Strickland Scanner Centre at Mount Vernon Hospital in Northwood has been awarded the 2018 Pharmaceutical Industry Network Group (PING) Innovation Award.

The charity award recognises and supports “innovation and excellence in the pharmaceutical and life sciences supply chain”.

The charity plays an imperative role managing the treatment of cancer patients, including those who develop “multidrug resistance” to the disease. To date, they gave performed more than 7,000 whole-body MRI scans.

Claire Strickland, chief executive officer of Paul Strickland Scanner Centre, said: “Our team is completely dedicated to making sure patients receive the highest quality care and are able to benefit from medical research that could lead to breakthroughs in treating cancer and other serious conditions. We’re absolutely thrilled to see the team’s hard work recognised in this way.”

Paul Gershlick, chair of PING and head of Pharmaceuticals and Life Sciences at Veale Wasbrough Vizards, said: "Congratulations to the Paul Strickland Scanner Centre for this richly deserved award.

“It is fantastic to see the difference that their innovative use of scanning has made to people's lives. We are delighted to recognise their impact with this award.”