MRI Scans | Banbury, Oxfordshire | The New Foscote Hospital

An MRI technician looks at scans on their computer

The MRI room with calming natural scenes on the walls and ceiling

A Vital Aid To Diagnosis

Almost 4 million magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans take place in the UK each year. They can provide images of any area of the body and from any direction.

The magnetic fields and radio waves used do not create ionizing radiation, which can have harmful effects. Precautions may be needed for patients with implants but MRI is a safe procedure.

An ability to provide better soft tissue images than other approaches is the cornerstone of MRI. Offering clear differentiation between fat, water, muscle and other soft tissue.

In some cases, this can be more valuable for bone imaging than x-ray, or CT scans. For key organs, there is no finer approach.

The core value is of course MRI’s ability to assist with diagnosis, on a wide variety of conditions. Of help to our consultants and a greater benefit to their patients.

What are MRI and MRE Scans?

MRI and MRE scans are diagnostic procedures that produce detailed images of your internal system. They are incredibly helpful in identifying issues within the body, including your bones and joints, your heart and internal organs, and even your neurological system, brain and spinal cord.

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging, and it uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create images of the inside of your body.

MRE stands for Magnetic Resonance Enterography, and it works in exactly the same way, except it also includes contrast injections. Contrast injections are substances that are injected into specific parts of your body so they show up prominently on your scan and can give doctors more detail about how your system is working.

Who Might Need an MRI Scan?

MRI scans can help with the diagnosis of a wide range of conditions including:

Heart conditions
Eye and ear disorders
Joint injuries including torn ligaments and cartilage
Conditions of the pancreas, spleen and gallbladder
Liver problems
Kidney and bladder problems
Uterine and ovarian conditions
Tumours
Tumours
Stroke
Dementia
MS

Is a referral needed for MRI?

At The New Foscote Hospital, patients can self-refer to any of our consultants, who can then refer you for an MRI.

That means that you don’t need a referral from your normal doctor or GP to access an MRI scan.

Cost of Private MRI Scan

The price of an MRI scan varies depending on how many areas of your body will need scanning, and whether you will also need contrast injections:

MRI prices

1 Part

£450

2 Part

£500

3 Part

£800

Full Body Scan

£1,100

Additional Charges

If you need contrast injections for your MRI (which is also called an MRE or Magnetic Resonance Enterography) there is an additional charge of £150.

How to pay

There are two ways you can pay for your treatment at The New Foscote Hospital, through your insurance, or self-payment.

Insurance

For those with an insurance policy that covers the treatment

Self-pay

For people funding the treatment themselves

What to Expect From Your MRI procedure

An MRI scan is an outpatient procedure, meaning that you can simply come to the hospital for the procedure, and leave again once it’s done.

Preparing for Your MRI

Unless advised otherwise by your doctor, on the day of your MRI you can eat, drink and take any medication as you normally would. Before your scan you will be asked to fill out a short questionnaire and to remove all metal from your body – MRI scans use powerful magnetic fields, and any metal in the machine could cause you injury.
During Your MRI

For the scan, you will be asked to lie on a bed which then goes into the MRI. Depending on which part of your body is being scanned, you may be asked to lie head or feet first. Your experienced radiography team will operate the scanner from the room next door, and will be on hand for anything you need during the procedure.
After Your MRI

The scan typically takes around 30 minutes to complete, and you should expect to hear from your referring clinician within 48 hours.

Our MRI scanning facility is specially designed to help patients feel calm and confident during their procedure. Having an on-site MRI facility helps our consultants get to your diagnosis faster and more efficiently, so you’re not spending weeks or months on a waiting list.

Dr Matthew Train

Consultant Radiologist

A technician operating the MRI machine at the New Foscote Hospital

MRI At The New Foscote

Not only are our waiting times shorter, at The New Foscote Hospital we provide the highest standards of care from our professional team and our outstanding facilities.

Exceptional Facilities

Our MRI department has been specially designed to provide patients with a relaxing atmosphere, so you will feel calm and confident throughout your procedure.
Renowned Consultants

The New Foscote Hospital works with some of the UK’s most prominent consultants and consultant surgeons, ensuring you receive the very best advice, care and treatment.

Radiology Consultants

Our consultant radiologists are both highly experienced and highly regarded in their field, and are supported by a dedicated team of technicians, nurses and support staff.