MRI is a way of taking images (pictures) of the inside of your body, without using X-rays.
This means it is a very safe form of imaging. It uses a large, powerful magnet, radiowaves and an advanced computer to obtain images of any part of your body.
MRI is very good at showing up soft tissues (which would not be visible on X-ray), providing detailed images of the areas scanned.
The images allow your doctor to gain a better understanding of the internal workings of your body, and may help to diagnose the cause of your symptoms.
Our MRI suite now comprises two 1.5 Teslar scanners and carries out a wide range of techniques and investigations.
The current activity is approximately 12,000 examinations, covering a wide range of investigations. MRI is particularly good for imaging joints such as the knee, and the brain.
Waiting times:
Urgent 2 weeks
Routine 3 weeks
Cardiac Angiography is carried out on the first floor of the Trelawny wing in the Cardiac unit, for other areas of the body requiring Angiography the examinations are carried out in the Tower Block Clinical Imaging department.
Radiologists:
Qualified Doctors who have spent 5-7 post graduate training specialising in the interpretation of medical images, and the use of investigational techniques used in treatment.
Radiographers:
Degree level trained health professionals who are responsible for performing your X-rays, CT/MRI and NM scans and for undertaking and reporting some of your ultrasound examinations.
Radiological Nurses:
Radiological procedures have changed in the last 15-20 years, in that much more invasive, therapeutic work is being done.
With increased numbers of procedures such as angioplasty, vena cava filter placement, chemo-embolization and fibroid embolization, the need for specialist nurses has become apparent.
The nurse's role has always been to care for the patient and to act as the patient's advocate, and this remains the priority in radiology as in any other area.
However, radiology nurses are trained in supplementary skills specific to X-ray, such as scrub nurse for the above procedures, pain management.
Radiography Assistant Practitioners:
Trained staff who provide invaluable assistance to Radiographers in performing some of your routine X-Ray examinations.
Clinical Imaging Assistants:
Auxiliary staff who provide invaluable assistance to radiographers by fetching patients from the wards and assisting in preparation of patients for their examinations.
Clerical and Administration Staff:
Usually the first point of contact with the department for the Hospital Medical Staff, General Practitioners and patients.
They send out appointments to patients, maintain our computer systems ensuring that patient records are up to date and accurate.
They also supply secretarial services to the Radiologists and Radiographers and ensure the reports get to the various wards and outpatient departments.
Housekeepers:
Auxiliary staff working in the fluoroscopy suite to ensure clean linen is always available and provide refreshment for some our patients after their examination.
Volunteers:
Volunteers at the hospital provide valuable non-medical services that complement the work of the hospital staff.