The NHS service

Posted by: mista h on 08 September 2013

A question for the docs who use this M/B

Have just got back from having an MRI scan this afternoon(yes Sunday afternoon)

The question is   do the nhs have special machine somewhere for FAT people ?? Reason for asking is my accountant tips the scales at a very dainty 25 stone + and no way would she fit in this normal size machine. Also why dont the nhs use their own staff,everyone in this dept worked for a firm of subcontracters who now doubt charge a fortune for their services.

 

Mista h

 

Posted on: 08 September 2013 by Steve J

Hi mista h,

 

For large people like your friend there are 'open' scanners. The image quality is not as good because they use smaller weaker strength magnets but at least diagnostic images can be obtained. Most hospitals don't have one but usually have one nearby that patients can be sent to.

 

A lot of services, like MRI, are contracted out to private companies. This is not unusual and means the hospital doesn't have to find the initial investment of millions for a machine. The company is also responsible for the maintenance and day to day running. The fact you were scanned on a Sunday is a reflection of the demand now for MRI and the companies have strict targets for service provision. In the long term it would be cheaper for the Trusts to buy and run a scanner but it's easier to pay piecemeal to a company. 

 

I hope the results of your scan are favourable.

 

ATB

 

Steve

Posted on: 09 September 2013 by Derek Wright

Try the London Upright MRI Centre,

http://www.uprightmri.co.uk/london.html

they also have a scanner in Leeds, the London one will do scans while the patient is standing so the effect of the full load on the spine can be seen. The Leeds scanner is a sit down only scanner.

 

While checking the URL  for the Newman Street location - I also found that there is a second Upright scanner in London in Kensington

http://www.mri-london.com/

 

I have had two such scans to identify spinal issues, if your consultant is hesitant about getting you one on the NHS then go private they are not expensive. In my area the NHS are paying for the upright scans as a result of the surgeon seeing the benefit of the system.  An upright scan can identify problems that the horizontal one cannot easily identify and so ensure a more effective operation or even justify an operation.