MRI Scanning (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)

MRI or Magnetic Resonance Imaging is a cross sectional imaging technique used in Radiology to form pictures of the anatomy and the physiological processes of the body. It does this by using a strong magnetic field along with magnetic field gradients and radio waves to generate images of the organs in the body.

We scan a variety of patients, including: NHS inpatients, outpatients, GP patients, and private patients. 

We offer appointments from 8am to 8pm Monday - Friday and 8am - 4pm on Saturdays. Appointments are sometimes offered on a Sunday. Routine appointments are usually made in two weeks from the receipt of the request from clinicians.

What Do We Scan in MRI?

Our specialist imaging services include:

Abdominal (liver, kidneys, adrenals, gallbladder)

Pelvis (gynaecology, prostate, rectum, bladder)

Small Bowel studies

Breast MRI

Musculoskeletal (MSK) (all bones and joints including the spine)

MRI of soft tissues and brachial plexus

Neurological (brain)

Arthrography (joints)

Angiography (imaging of blood vessels)

Paediatric

Your MRI Appointment

Information regarding how to prepare, and what to expect at your appointment is available in our patient information leaflet section here.

We have play therapists on-site in order to help prepare your child for their scan. If you think their involvement would be of use to your child, please indicate this upon receipt of appointment letter.

MRI Safety

Jewellery and other accessories need to be removed prior to the MRI scan because they can interfere with the magnetic field of the MRI unit. Metal and electronic objects are not allowed in the exam room. These items include: jewellery, watches, credit cards and hearing aids, pins, hairpins, metal zippers, removable dental work, pens, pocketknives, spectacles and body piercings.

There are some implants and devices that are contraindications to having an MRI, including:

Absolute  contraindications

Cochlear implants

Mechanically, electronically activate implants such as pacemakers, defibrillators, sacral stimulators

Magnetic splinters in the eye

Ferromagnetic haemostatic clips in the brain

Patients with absolute contraindications should not undergo MR Imaging

Relative contraindications

insulin pumps, diabetic monitoring patches and nerve stimulators

haemostatic clips

non-ferromagnetic stapedial implants

Contact

Please call 01305 255397, 9am-5pm Monday to Friday for enquiries or to reschedule your appointment.

Please note: we do not offer a service for scans performed under general anaesthetic. If you require any mild sedation, please contact your GP or the referring doctor.