We have received a request from your referring doctor for you to have an MRI scan.  This booklet is designed to give you some information about the MRI scanner, to help you prepare for your scan and to give you some idea of what to expect when you attend.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging or MRI for short, is a method of obtaining highly detailed pictures of the inside of your body.  A powerful magnet, radio-waves and a computer are used.  The technique does not use x-rays and there are no known side effects.

If your appointment time is not convenient it is essential that you contact the hospital department you are attending immediately (see MRI Appointments above for telephone numbers) so that a more appropriate time can be arranged.  This will enable us to reallocate valuable scanning time to someone else.

Royal Victoria Infirmary (RVI) – Access via Peacock Hall entrance. 

Turn right at the shop and take lift (right-hand side) down to the basement floor.  Turn right from the lift and follow the sign posts for the MRI Scanner, which is situated on the left-hand side where you should report to reception on arrival for your MRI scan.

Freeman Hospital (FH) – Access via main entrance 

Walk straight ahead, passing all of the shops on your left, turn right then first left at the X-ray sign to report to the reception desk.

Newcastle General Hospital (NGH) – Access via main entrance. 

The MRI scanner is situated in the Neuro X-ray Department, which is on the ground floor of the Neurosciences Block.  This is about half way along main corridor on the left, past the Main X-ray Department. 

• Eat and drink as normal – unless you are having an MRCP (Magnetic Resonance Cholangio-pancreatogram) or a liver scan, in which case you will need to starve for 4 hours.  If you are diabetic, please contact the department for advice.
• Continue to take any medication prescribed by your doctor.
• If possible try to wear clothing without metal zip fastenings or clips. If this is not possible a hospital gown and changing facilities are provided.
• Please do not wear make-up or mascara.  Mascara contains ‘ferric’ (metal) compounds, which may lead to distortion of images.

 If possible, please try to leave the following personal items at home:

 Watches, jewellery, credit cards, keys, hairgrips, cigarette lighters, coins, penknives and any other loose metallic objects.

If you do bring any personal items you will be able to lock them away during your scan.

Some patients may be anxious about their MRI scan or suffer from claustrophobia.   If you are worried about this, you should contact the department - we can arrange for you to visit the MR Unit, to talk the examination through with our staff and have a look at the MR Scanner itself.  If you are still anxious, or have failed to complete a scan because you are claustrophobic, you can ask your GP if it is possible for him/her to prescribe appropriate sedation.  

If your doctor has prescribed sedation, you should follow the recommendations as below:

• No alcohol for 24 hours
• No driving for 24 hours
• You will need to be accompanied home
• You will need a responsible adult at home
• No DIY for 24 hours

When you arrive in the department you should report to the Radiology Reception desk, where your personal details will be checked to ensure that our records are accurate and up to date. You will then be directed towards the MRI waiting room and asked to hand in or complete a questionnaire. A radiographer will then speak to you, checking through your questionnaire and also explaining the scanning procedure to you. The radiographer will be able to answer any questions you may have regarding your scan.

Yes: an MRI scan is not suitable if you have any of the following:

• Cardiac pacemaker
• Aneurysm clips in your head
• Inner ear (cochlear) implants
• Metallic fragments in your eyes
• Some old types of heart valves
• Some types of Aortic Stents

If you do have any of these please telephone the hospital department you are attending immediately (see MRI Appointments as above) and we will be able to advise you appropriately.

If you have any other metallic implants it is perfectly safe for you to have your scan, although if you wish to clarify this with us then do not hesitate to contact us.

A radiographer will escort you into the scanning suite and show you the scanner. You will lie on the scan table and when you are ready, you will be moved into the scanner and your scan will begin.

During your scan you will hear some very loud tapping noises while the scanner is working.  This is a normal part of the scan and nothing to worry about. We do have ear protection available and would advise people to wear it. All that is expected of you while your scan is being performed is that you keep as still as possible.

The radiographers can talk to you through an intercom and you can also talk to them. The intercom can also be used to transmit music. We do have a small collection of CD’s to listen to, or if preferred, you may bring your own.

If you think you may be pregnant it is very important that you tell the nurse or radiographer before your scan. From this information, x-ray staff will decide if there is cause for the MRI examination to be postponed or if it is safe to continue.

For some types of scans, a small injection will be administered into a vein in your arm.  This can sometimes give us useful information.   You should experience no side effects.

Apart from the noise of the scanner and some associated vibrations you should not experience anything to cause any discomfort.

Usually your scan can last for anything between 20-50 minutes, although if more than one area is to be scanned, then your examination is likely to take proportionately longer.

If you need an ambulance, you must ask your GP Surgery to arrange one, giving them three working days' notice. However, it would be helpful if you could inform the department if you are arriving by ambulance as we will arrange your appointment time to fit with ambulance arrivals.

If you have any worries or concerns before you attend for your appointment, then please do not hesitate to contact the hospital department you are attending (see below) and we will be happy to help however we can.

If you have any other questions when you attend for your scan then please ask.

MRI Appointments only:

·        Royal Victoria Infirmary (0191) 233 0852

·        Freeman Hospital (0191) 223 1012

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Should you have any worries or concerns, please make these known by letter addressed to the appropriate Superintendent Radiographer at the department you are attending your MRI appointment or by telephone as below:

(Monday – Friday, between 9.00 – 5.00pm)

Mrs J Chambers

Superintendent Radiographer (RVI/NGH)

Leazes Xray Department

Royal Victoria Infirmary

Richardson Road

Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP

Tel: 0191 2825624

Mr G Hughes

Superitendent Radiographer (FH)

Main Xray Department

Freeman Hospital

High Heaton

Newcastle upon Tyne  NE7 7DN

Tel: 0191 2231012

All Newcastle Hospitals Switchboard: Tel : (0191) 233 6161

If you need to turn to someone for on-the-spot help, advice and support, please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

Freephone: 0800-032-02-02

 Map details all Newcastle Hospitals: