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MRI Scan

MRI Scan

Our advanced diagnostics suite is home to the latest MRI scanning technology, with expert radiographers to guide you through the experience.

MRI – which stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging - is a scan that uses radio waves and strong magnetic fields to provide highly detailed images of the body area scanned.

Our state-of-the-art MRI scanner provides the highest quality imaging, making diagnostics far more efficient for the patient. It allows for a comprehensive overview of the body’s soft tissues, organs, bones and blood vessels, meaning an MRI scan can help diagnose a variety of conditions including tumours, injuries and diseases.

What happens during the scan?

The MRI machine is a large tube, so the patient simply lies down and is sent into the tube with the body part being scanned positioned in the centre of the scanner.

Your radiographer will talk you through the process when you arrive, ensuring you are calm and comfortable throughout the scan. It is important to keep as still as you can throughout the scan to ensure an accurate image.

Most MRI scans will take 20 minutes, however, some can take up to 90 minutes, and you will be given a call button whilst in the scanner so you can call the radiographer to stop the scan if you need any assistance.

The MRI scanner makes loud, tapping noises, and your radiographer will warn you of the noises to expect before the scan begins.

Depending on the body area being scanned, you may be required to have an injection of a clear contrast dye. Your appointment letter will include this information, and you can discuss any questions or concerns about the injection with our radiology team.

Self Referral Form

With significant demands on the healthcare providers and the NHS, patient are finding it increasingly difficult to see a healthcare professional as well as accessing vital diagnostic services. As a result, patients are now seeking alternative sources.

When this involves an MRI scan, the Advanced Diagnostics department in St Josephs Hospital can now offer a self-referral pathway for imaging for patients that meet the specified criteria.

The following criteria will need to be met in order for a self-referral scan to be performed:

A person over 18 years of age.
A fully completed questionnaire must be provided.
The scan must not be to monitor the progress of malignancy.
The anatomical area to be scanned must be one from the accepted list.
The patient must provide details of a responsible clinician (GMC or HCPC registered) for the results to go back to for discussion.

About the Patient

Full Name *

Full Address *

Email Address *

Date of Birth *

Contact Telephone *

Gender *

About the Scan

What area of the body is the MRI required for? *

Side *

What symptoms do you have? (Please describe in detail) *

Have you had this problem previously? *

When did your symptoms start? *

Is there an additional area you wish to be scanned?

Responsible Clinician Details

Will your results be going back to your GP? *

GP Name *

GP Address *

GP Contact Number *

Responsible Clinician Name *

Responsible Clinician Address *

Responsible Clinician Contact Number *

Safety Information

Do you have a pacemaker, cochlea implant or neurostimulator? *

Have you had surgery to your head or heart? *

Have you ever had any metal fragments in your eyes?*

Do you have any metal prosthesis? *

Could you be pregnant? *

Patient Declaration

The details I have provided are correct and to the best of my knowledge.
I understand that the scan report will be sent to my designated clinician within 48 hours and to me within 5 working days.
I agree it is my responsibility to discuss my results with the appropriate clinician.
I have given accurate information to the best of my knowledge within the safety information section.
I have read and understood the self-referral criteria.

I agree to the above patient declaration. *

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