MRI

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) is a modern imaging technique that uses strong, magnet, radio waves and a computer to generate images, which show detailed sections of the body. These can be acquired in any orientation within the body and can produce images of any specified body part. MRI does not use X-rays and has no known harmful effects. There are MRI units at both Calderdale Royal Hospital and Huddersfield Royal Infirmary. Opening times are generally from 8.30am until 5pm Monday to Friday, with additional evening and weekend lists being available on a rotational basis between both sites. This flexibility offers patients a wide choice of appointment times or site of preference for their MRI scan. The MRI units can scan between 12 and 22 patients per day dependant upon opening hours.

An MRI scan produces images that can depict and locate almost anything from anywhere within the body from a large tumour to a minute blood vessel. A full range of procedures are performed on both sites including:

Musculoskeletal (relating to the muscle and/or bone)
Neuro (relating to the nervous system)
Orthopaedic (relating to bones, joints and muscles)
Oncology (relating to tumours)
Vascular (relating to the blood vessels)
Paediatrics
Abdominal scans

In addition specialised cardiac scans and paediatric general anaesthetic examinations are undertaken at the Calderdale site. There is an MRI-compatible anaesthetic machine housed within the MRI scan room for this purpose. Each suite is equipped with a Philips Gyroscan Intera 1.5 Tesla MRI scanner, both of which were installed in 2001. To carry out dynamic MRI scanning (when looking at areas where the blood supply needs to be demonstrated), each site uses a Medrad Spectris Injector Pump.

Where to find us

At HRI the MRI Unit can be accessed directly from the South Drive, or by following the signs within the hospital to the basement level. At CRH, the MRI unit sits within the main x-ray department; this is situated on the first floor. Patient and visitor pay and display car parking are available at both sites.