Private MRI Scans in Poole

Private MRI scanning at The Harbour Hospital in Poole 

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a powerful, non-invasive way to look inside your body in detail. It helps doctors diagnose a wide range of conditions affecting soft tissues, joints, organs, and blood vessels. At The Harbour Hospital in Poole, we offer private MRI scans in calm surroundings, with fast access to appointments and results without delay. 

If you have been referred for an MRI scan, you may feel unsure about what to expect. You might be experiencing ongoing pain, unexplained symptoms, or recovering from an injury or surgery. Having clear information about the procedure, how it works, and what will happen on the day can help you feel more comfortable and in control. 

Choosing a private MRI scan at The Harbour Hospital in Poole allows you to be seen quickly, often with shorter waiting times and at a date and time that fits around your life. Your scan will be performed by experienced radiographers using modern imaging technology, and your images will be reported by specialist radiologists. The results are then shared with your referring doctor or consultant, who will discuss the next steps with you. 

What is an MRI scan? 

An MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan is a type of medical imaging that uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to produce detailed pictures of the inside of your body. Unlike X‑rays or CT scans, MRI does not use ionising radiation. This makes it particularly useful for examining soft tissues, such as: 

• Muscles, ligaments and tendons 
• Joints, including the spine, hips, knees, shoulders and ankles 
• The brain and spinal cord 
• Internal organs such as the liver, kidneys and reproductive organs 
• Blood vessels and certain heart structures 

During an MRI scan, you lie on a motorised table that moves slowly into a scanner. The scanner is shaped like a short tunnel or ring. As the machine takes images, it uses a combination of powerful magnets and radiofrequency signals to build up a detailed picture of the area being examined. These images can be viewed as slices or 3D reconstructions, giving doctors a clear view of internal structures. 

MRI scans are widely used because they provide high-resolution images and can show subtle changes in tissues. This helps with early diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring how well treatment is working. 

Is an MRI scan safe?

MRI is considered a very safe procedure for most people. Because it uses magnetism rather than radiation, there is no exposure to X‑rays. However, the strong magnetic field means it is not suitable for everyone. Before your scan, you will be asked detailed safety questions to check for: 

• Pacemakers or other implanted cardiac devices 
• Metal implants, such as certain aneurysm clips, cochlear implants, or older joint replacements 
• Metal fragments in the eye or body 
• Certain types of surgical clips or wires 

Many modern implants are MRI‑compatible, but each case is assessed individually. You will be asked to complete a safety questionnaire and may be asked for information about any devices you have. It is important to answer these questions accurately so your team can keep you safe. 

MRI scans are painless. You will not feel the magnetic field or radio waves, but you will hear a series of loud tapping or knocking sounds from the scanner as images are taken. You will be given ear protection or headphones to reduce the noise. A call bell and two-way communication system mean you can speak to the radiographer at any time during your scan. 

Why might I need an MRI scan?

Your doctor or consultant may recommend an MRI scan for many different reasons. It is often requested when they need a clearer, more detailed view of internal structures than other imaging methods can provide. 

Common reasons for having an MRI scan include: 

• Persistent or unexplained pain – For example in your back, neck, joints, or muscles, to look for causes such as disc problems, arthritis, inflammation, or soft tissue injury 
• Sports and orthopaedic injuries – To assess damage to ligaments, tendons, cartilage, or muscles, and to guide treatment or surgery 
• Neurological symptoms – Such as headaches, seizures, weakness, numbness, or changes in vision, to look at the brain and spinal cord 
• Suspected joint problems – Including meniscal tears in the knee, rotator cuff injuries in the shoulder, or hip joint changes 
• Assessment of internal organs – For example the liver, kidneys, uterus or prostate, to investigate lumps, cysts, or other abnormalities 
• Monitoring known conditions – Such as multiple sclerosis, certain cancers, or chronic joint conditions, to track disease progression or response to treatment 
• Pre-operative planning – Helping surgeons plan complex operations by showing the exact location and extent of a problem 

You might also be referred for an MRI scan if other tests, such as X‑rays or ultrasound, have not fully explained your symptoms. MRI can often reveal fine details that are not visible with other imaging techniques. 

Is an MRI scan right for you? 

Your healthcare team will only recommend an MRI scan if they believe it will provide useful information about your condition. They will consider your symptoms, medical history, any implants or medical devices you may have, and the results of any other tests or scans you’ve had.  

If you are unsure why you have been referred, you can ask your doctor to explain the purpose of the scan and what they hope to find out. Understanding the reason for your MRI can help you feel more prepared and reassured about the process. 

When will I receive my results?

One of the main benefits of arranging a private MRI scan at The Harbour Hospital in Poole is timely access to your results. How and when you receive them will depend on your referral pathway, but the process is designed to be as clear and efficient as possible. 

In most cases, radiology reports for private patients are completed promptly, often within a few working days. Exact timescales can vary depending on the complexity of the scan and the urgency of your case. 

Discussing your results

You will usually receive your results from the doctor or consultant who referred you for the scan, rather than directly from the radiology team. This allows your results to be explained in the context of your symptoms, medical history, and any other tests you may have had. 

If you are under the care of a consultant at The Harbour Hospital, your results may be discussed at a follow‑up appointment, either in person or via a remote consultation. If your GP or another external clinician referred you, your report will be sent to them so they can review it with you and plan the next steps in your care. 

If any urgent or unexpected findings are identified, your referrer will be informed promptly so that appropriate action can be taken without delay. 

If you have questions about how you will receive your results or when to expect them, you can speak to the bookings or radiology team before your scan, so you know what to anticipate. 

How much does a private MRI scan cost in Poole?

The cost of a private MRI scan at The Harbour Hospital in Poole varies depending on several factors, including: 

• The part of the body being scanned (for example, brain, spine, knee, or pelvis) 
• Whether you are having a single area or multiple areas scanned 
• Whether a contrast agent (a special dye to improve image detail) is required 
• Any additional tests or consultations arranged alongside your scan 

Because of this, there is no single price that applies to every patient or every scan. Instead, you will be given clear, personalised information about the cost of your investigation before you go ahead. 

You can choose to fund your treatment through self-pay (paying for yourself) or use private health insurance. We work with most major providers, and our friendly advisory team can help guide you through using your cover.  

Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a time period that suits you. We offer fixed-term monthly payment plans over one to five years with no deposit required. If you decide to pay over 10 months, you will pay interest-free. If you are paying for a longer period, you will pay 9.9% APR.  

Why choose The Harbour Hospital for your MRI scan?

The Harbour Hospital in Poole is part of Circle Health Group, one of the UK’s largest providers of private healthcare. When you choose to have your MRI scan at The Harbour Hospital, you can expect: 

• Prompt access to imaging – Private MRI appointments with reduced waiting times, helping you move forward with diagnosis and treatment sooner 
• Experienced specialists – Your scan is performed by trained radiographers and reported by consultant radiologists with expertise in interpreting MRI images 
• Modern imaging technology – High-quality MRI equipment designed to provide clear, detailed images to support accurate diagnosis 
• Personalised care – A focus on your individual needs, with staff on hand to explain the procedure, answer questions, and help you feel at ease 
• A calm, professional environment – Clean, well-equipped facilities designed to make your visit as comfortable as possible 
• Integrated care pathways – If further tests or treatment are needed, The Harbour Hospital can arrange onward referrals to appropriate consultants and services within the hospital 

From your initial enquiry through to receiving your results, the team at The Harbour Hospital aims to provide clear communication, compassionate care, and high clinical standards. Having your MRI scan in a private setting can offer reassurance, continuity, and greater flexibility at a time when you may be feeling worried about your health. 

How to book a private MRI scan in Poole  

To book a consultation to discuss MRI scanning with a specialist near you, use our online booking system, or give us a call and one of our dedicated advisors will help you find an appointment time that suits you.   

If you want to book directly into an MRI scan, usually you will need a referral from a GP or other healthcare professional. Whether you are a private or NHS patient, your GP can refer you to our hospital to have your MRI scan. We will then send the results back to your GP.   

If you are already a patient at The Harbour Hospital and you need an MRI scan, your consultant will refer you to our imaging team to arrange the procedure.   

If you don’t have a referral but believe you need an MRI scan, you may be able to self-refer. Give us a call and we can advise you, and if you do need a referral we can help you get one quickly.