Private Patients

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body. It’s especially good at showing soft tissues such as joints, muscles, the spine and the brain.

MRI is very safe and doesn’t use any ionising radiation. Because the scanner uses a strong magnet, we’ll ask you some safety questions before your scan to make sure it’s right for you.

You’ll lie on a bed that moves into the scanner. Equipment may be placed over the area being scanned. This will help to produce the images. The scanner is noisy, so we’ll give you ear protection. You’ll need to keep as still as possible, and you can talk to the radiographer at any time. Headphones with music are available to reduce the background noise.

Most scans take between 15 and 45 minutes depending on the area being scanned. Please allow extra time for your appointment. We ask you to arrive 5 mins before your appointment.  If you arrive very early for your appointment you may be asked to wait in the main hospital foyer or café.

No. At Homerton, we don’t currently offer contrast-enhanced scans, so you won’t need an injection.

Some implants and devices aren’t safe in an MRI scanner. Please tell us when you book if you have a pacemaker, implant, surgical clips or any metal in your body, so we can check your scan is safe.  Some implants require a waiting period following insertion before you can enter the scanner.  We will confirm it’s safe for you to do so before proceeding.

If you’re pregnant or think you might be, please tell us before your appointment so we can advise whether your scan should go ahead. Breastfeeding doesn’t affect an MRI scan without contrast.

Let us know when you book and we’ll talk you through what to expect. Our radiographers will support you throughout, and you can speak to them through an intercom system at various points throughout your scan.

For most scans, you can eat, drink and take your usual medication as normal. We’ll let you know if you need to do anything differently.

Wear comfortable clothing without metal zips, poppers or underwiring. You’ll need to remove jewellery, watches, hairpins and piercings before your scan. Gowns are provided for use during your scan. There is an area where patients may leave personal belongings, these will be stored safely during the examination.

You’re welcome to bring someone with you to your appointment. However, they won’t be able to come into the scan room unless we’ve checked it’s safe for them. If they aren’t able to come into the scan room they will need to wait outside of the scanning facility or in one of the Hospital cafes.

Yes. We accept referrals from GPs and specialist consultants, but we can’t accept self-referrals. If you don’t have a referral yet, speak to your GP. If you’re insured, check with your insurer too, as some need a specialist referral.

Prices start from £325 for a standard scan of one body part. We’ll confirm your final price after reviewing your referral. Your price includes your scan and a report from a specialist radiologist, which is sent to your referrer.

Access is quick and easy. We’ll call you back to confirm your referral, then send your appointment confirmation. We offer weekday and weekend appointments on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday from 8.00-20.00.

Your scan takes place at Homerton Hospital in Hackney, East London. We’ll send you directions and arrival details with your appointment confirmation.

Parking at the hospital and in the surrounding area is limited, so we recommend travelling by public transport if you can.

The scanning unit is reached by a short flight of steps. If you have difficulty with stairs or use a wheelchair, please let us know when you book and we’ll arrange lift access for you.

Please let us know as soon as possible by emailing appointments@compleohealth.com or calling +44 (0)161 884 1303. We’ll be happy to find you a new time. If you cancel with less than 48 hours’ notice, or don’t attend, you will be charged the full cost of the scan in line with our cancelation policy.