Mobile Imaging

A mobile CT scanner is a self-contained unit which houses the same equipment and facilities that you will find in a hospital CT department, the main difference is that we can transport it between the Ramsay hospitals to offer local and convenient CT scanning for our patients.

At Ramsay, our mobile CT scanners offer high-definition image quality with a low dose. They are designed for patient safety and comfort including a changing room and relaxed environment.

Our mobile CT scanners offer accessibility to all patients with a lift that can be used if required.

MRI Scan

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a type of imaging that produces very detailed pictures of the body. The scanner uses a high-strength magnet, radio waves and computers to generate images that can be used to diagnose conditions, plan treatments and assess how effective previous treatment has been. An MRI scan can be used to examine almost any part of the body, including:

• brain and spinal cord
• bones and joints
• breasts
• heart and blood vessels
• internal organs, such as the liver and intestines

What we need to know before your MRI scan

It is important that you tell us before the scan if you:

• are (or might be) pregnant
• have a heart pacemaker or an artificial heart valve
• have any electro-mechanical devices used for drug delivery
• have any surgical clips
• have a cochlear implant, a neurostimulator or a programmable hydrocephalus shunt
• have had any operations on your head
• have any metal implant in your body
• have had an injury to your eyes involving metal or metal fragments
• have had a capsule endoscopy (PillCam)

Having something metallic in your body doesn’t necessarily mean that you can’t have an MRI scan, but it is important for us to know that you have it. We decide on an individual basis if there are any risks associated with your implant, and what we can do to make the scan as safe as possible.

What happens during an MRI scan?

During the MRI scan you will lie flat on a bed that is moved into the scanner. Depending on the part of your body being imaged, this will either be head first or feet first.

The MRI equipment is operated by a Radiographer. They control the scanner using a computer in a different room. You will be able to talk to the Radiographer through an intercom, and they are able to see you at all times during your examination.

You will be given earplugs and headphones to wear during the scan, as the scanner makes loud noises whilst images are produced. It is very important to keep as still as possible during your MRI scan. The examination can last from 15-90 minutes, depending on the size of the area being imaged.

CT Scan

A CT (Computed Tomography) scan is carried out using a special type of x-ray machine. The images the machine produces show much greater detail than standard x-rays, and this helps the doctors diagnose your condition much more accurately.

It’s important that you tell us before the scan if you:

• are (or might be) pregnant
• are diabetic and taking metformin
• have asthma
• have impaired renal function
• have any allergies or have had an allergic reaction to a dye called contrast medium before

What happens during my CT scan?

During the CT scan you will be asked to lie on a flat bed.

The CT equipment is operated by a Radiographer. They control the scanner using a computer in a different room. You will be able to talk to the Radiographer through an intercom, and they are able to see you at all times during your examination.

Depending on the reason for the scan, you may be given a dye to help show more detail on the scan images. The dye is known as contrast medium. It can be given as a drink or injected into a vein.

You will need to lie still during the scan so that we can produce clear images. You may be asked to breathe in, out or hold your breath during the scan.

If you are self-funding, the cost of a mobile imaging test will depend on the type of imaging test you require, how many areas need scanning, and your Ramsay hospital of choice.

Once you have spoken to your hospital of choice, you will receive a formal quotation price when booking your scan with us. This formal quote for your scan will be valid for 60 days.

Most diagnostic scans are covered by medical insurance policies. Ramsay is recognised by all major medical insurers. We advise you to check with your insurance provider and obtain their written authorisation before booking your mobile imaging test.

We also provide imaging services to NHS patients.

It is easy to arrange a scan at one of our Ramsay Hospitals. We accept referrals from medical practitioners such as consultants, GPs, physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths, extended scope practitioners and dentists.

• Ask your doctor or another medical professional for an imaging referral and to send it to a Ramsay hospital of your choice.
• Your referrer will then contact us on your behalf with all of your details. Once we have your details, we will review and confirm the referral and contact you to arrange a convenient appointment for your scan.
• We will provide you with all the information you need to allow you to prepare for your visit. This includes directions to our hospital, any special instructions required for your particular scan and what to expect on the day.

Your images will be reviewed and reported by one of our consultant radiologists. The consultant’s written report will be sent to your referring clinician.

You will need to arrange a follow-up appointment to discuss the results of your scan and ongoing treatment. Please be aware that your radiographer will not be able to provide you with the results of your scan during your appointment.

Ramsay Health Care’s mobile imaging team and fleet (RDUK) offers high-quality MRI and CT scanning, in transportable imaging units that travel between our hospitals across England. An average of 40,000 NHS and private patients are supported each year through our fleet of mobile MRI and CT scanners.

Our mobile scanners deliver advanced imaging solutions utilising state-of-the-art equipment technology. This ensures the services we offer can be delivered safely and with maximum comfort to our patients.

Our expert and experienced teams of radiographers and consultant radiologists provide clinical excellence to our patients in a caring and compassionate environment, and will be there to support and reassure you throughout your scan.

We support our hospitals by offering convenient appointments on our mobile fleet, with appointments available throughout a 12-hour scanning day to fit in with our patients’ busy lives. Some weekend appointments are available at some of our hospitals.

Our fleet of scanners can also accommodate patients who may have accessibility restrictions.