A scanner said to be capable of producing sensational images has been installed at the adult stem cell clinic being built in Winterhaven, Smith's.

Premier Ewart Brown announced the move in a letter inviting people for a look around the Brown-Darrell Clinic, which is due to open early this year.

His letter states the Siemens Somatom Sensation 64-Slice CT Scanner has the technology to provide previously unknown sharpness, diagnostic detail and clarity.

"No matter what your field of expertise is, you will be stunned by the sensational images," states Dr. Brown.

The Premier — who is behind the project in partnership with wife Wanda and California-based Stemedica — adds that a complete scan takes as little as five minutes, meaning less time and discomfort for patients, faster results for doctors and the ability to avoid more invasive tests if necessary.

It does not state whether the scanner will be available to all Bermudians, or solely restricted to stem cell patients, many of whom are expected to fly into the Island for treatment.

The Brown-Darrell Clinic did not respond to questions for more information about the scanner yesterday, although a Royal Gazette reporter selected by the clinic has been invited to visit next week.

International doctors have aired concerns about the lack of stem cell regulations in Bermuda, compared with jurisdictions such as the US, Canada and the UK, where the practice is heavily monitored.

George Daley, president of the International Society for Stem Cell Research, has said he is very sceptical of anyone running experimental treatment in jurisdictions where there is no regulatory oversight.

Dr. Daley has also warned desperately sick patients who could be heading to Bermuda for treatment not to be misled into thinking it is a miracle cure.

The clinic has previously stated it would welcome and encourage legislation consistent with the international protocol practised by countries engaged in stem cell research.

However, it has repeatedly failed to reply when asked whether it would postpone opening until such legislation is in place.

Former Health Minister Michael Scott and his replacement Nelson Bascome have publicly expressed no concerns about Bermuda's lack of stem cell regulations.

Earlier this week, Mr. Bascome announced new regulations for the management of clinical laboratories as part of a Caribbean-wide initiative to improve the level of monitoring.

But these rules will not apply to the Brown-Darrell Clinic as by definition it is not a clinical lab, according to the Ministry of Health.