MRI scans in Chertsey

The cost of a private MRI scan at Runnymede Hospital depends on several factors, including the area of the body being scanned and whether contrast dye is required during the imaging process.

Contrast dye may be used during an MRI scan to highlight certain tissues, blood vessels or abnormalities more clearly, helping your doctor see areas of inflammation, tumours or changes in blood flow with greater detail.

Our booking team will provide clear and transparent pricing before your appointment so that you understand the cost of your scan in advance. This ensures you can make an informed decision about your care without any unexpected charges.

Many patients choose to self pay for MRI scans because private imaging offers faster access and greater flexibility when booking appointments. We also work with most major private health insurance providers, and our administrative team can assist with checking your coverage and obtaining authorisation if required.

Choosing private MRI scanning allows you to avoid long waiting lists and gain timely access to high-quality diagnostic imaging. 

There is a wide range of reasons for an MRI. An MRI scan might be used to check for:

• Joint or soft tissue injuries
• Tumours, cysts, or other anomalies in the body
• Brain injuries such as stroke, aneurysm, or haemorrhages
• Spine problems, such as nerve damage or slipped discs
• Disease or problems with organs in the chest and abdomen, including the heart, liver, kidneys, spleen, pancreas, and adrenal glands
• Pelvic scans, including the bladder, womb, ovaries, and prostate
• Certain types of heart problems, such as ischemic heart disease or blood clots
• Breast cancer screening for women who are at high risk

When you arrive for your MRI scan at Runnymede Hospital, you can park in one of the hospital’s free parking spaces.

Before the scan, you will be asked to fill out a short questionnaire about your health and medical history, and the radiographer will explain what will happen during the test.

In some cases, depending on why you are having an MRI scan, you might be advised to avoid food or drink for up to four hours before your MRI.

You will be asked to wear a gown and leave your clothing and belongings in a locker, so leave any valuables at home.

In preparation for the scan, you must remove any metal objects from your body.

The scan should take anywhere from 15–90 minutes, depending on the area being scanned and the number of images required.

Your consultant might recommend the use of a contrast dye to enhance the clarity of the images of certain tissues, blood vessels or other parts of the body. This dye is injected into one of your veins using a thin tube called a cannula. The contrast dye is safe but we do not give it to pregnant women or patients with kidney problems.

We understand that the idea of being in an enclosed space might be difficult for you.

If you suffer from claustrophobia, we encourage you to come to Runnymede Hospital to speak with your medical team before your scan. They will be happy to discuss any questions or fears you have and to discuss your options.

During the scan, you will be able to speak to the radiographer throughout the test through an intercom.

If you are pregnant or may be pregnant, you should let your radiographer know before the scan.

Although MRIs are believed to be safe for pregnant women and the foetus, other investigations such as ultrasounds are usually recommended instead.

As a precaution, MRI scans are generally not recommended in the first trimester. Contrast dye is also avoided during pregnancy as it could enter the foetus’ bloodstream.

The powerful magnetic fields created by the MRI scan mean that additional precautions must be taken for patients with metal implants or fragments in their bodies. Strong magnets can affect these, so you must notify the radiographer if you have any implanted medical devices or metal fragments to ensure your safety and suitability for an MRI.

Examples of metal fragments or implants that you should disclose:

• Pacemakers
• Implants for pain, drugs, or nerve stimulation
• Cochlear implants
• Surgical clips, plates, wires, rods, or screws
• Artificial joints used in knee or hip replacements
• Dental fillings or bridges
• Metallic fragments in or near the eyes (common in welders or metalworkers).

Many newer implantable medical devices are MRI safe, but your radiographer will decide on a case-by-case basis whether it is safe for you to continue with the MRI. If you are not eligible for an MRI scan, your doctor might recommend a CT scan instead.

MRI waiting lists can be long, but not when you go private. When you choose private healthcare, you’ll have the freedom to choose your hospital and get your scan done at a time convenient to you.

The private diagnostic imaging department at Runnymede Hospital has a state-of-the-art Siemens 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner.

Our team of experienced radiographers will ensure that you have the best possible MRI experience at Runnymede Hospital. The right imaging is critical for ensuring the right diagnosis.

At Runnymede Hospital, our multidisciplinary team of radiologists, radiographers, consultants and the wider team will ensure that you receive the best possible care and treatment.

At Runnymede Hospital, we guarantee:

• Personalised consultant-led diagnosis and treatment
• State-of-the-art facilities tailored to your comfort
• Flexible and speedy bookings, usually within 24 hours
• Affordable, fixed price packages with the option to spread the cost of your care

Other imaging scans we also offer include:

• Cardiac MRI
• CT
• Cardiac CT
• CT colonoscopy
• X-rays
• Ultrasound
• Ultrasound guided pain injections
• Cardiac ultrasound (ECHO)
• Exercise treadmill test (ETT)
• Capsule endoscopy

Our opening hours are:

• Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm
• Saturday from 8am to 1pm

Please contact the department on 01932877818 to make an appointment at a date and time that is convenient for you.

To book a consultation to discuss an MRI scan with a consultant radiologist 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 already have a referral for an MRI scan, call us and we will help you arrange one.