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Kind staff but noisy scanner

Posted By evelynv

"Kind staff but noisy scanner"

About: Royal Alexandra Hospital / General Surgery (wards 19, 20, 24, 26 &29)

(as the patient),

I was referred for an MRI scan as part of the screening process following a diagnosis of breast cancer.

The reception staff were friendly, and I was called promptly in for my scan. The radiographer was very kind and explained everything that would happen during before, during and after my scan.

My only negative comment is about the scan itself, as it is a very loud piece of equipment and although I was provided with headphones and music, they did little to drown out the noise, but this is just an unfortunate aspect of the scanning process, and I don't think much can be done about this.

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Responses

Response from Ian Reeves, Consultant Physician, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde 9 years ago
Ian Reeves
Consultant Physician,
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde

I'm one of the doctors in the medicine for the elderly dept. i.reeves@nhs.net

Submitted on 19/03/2015 at 09:23
Published on Care Opinion at 10:55

picture of Ian Reeves

Deat evelynvanni

Thank you for your comments - especially the ones about the staff atttitude with you. We hope the scan results are ok.

You correctly point out how loud the MRI scanner is. I've never had one, but even from the room watching one I know how loud they are.

Many patients find the combination of noise and enclosed space too much to bear.

It's not just the volume of the noise, it's the nature of it. It sounds as if the machine is faulty and about to implode!

There are some videos of MRI noise (and I have pasted the links below).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8oI9YnhPNcQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Aj2QspPf7s

As MRI scanning becomes more common we will see experiences such as yours more frequently. It would be useful to warn people in advance how noisy it is.

Did any of the information you received before your scan give you any advice or information about the noise?

Regards

Ian

(Consultant Physician)

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Update posted by evelynv (the patient)

Thanks for your response Ian. I was warned by the radiographer and other people who have had an MRI about the noise, but it doesn't really prepare you for it. As you say, it sounds faulty!

With regards the enclosed space thing - I was face down so wasn't really aware that I was in a big tube even though the process took about half an hour. The satff were very reassuring during the scanning process and spoke to me regularly through the headphones.

Response from Ian Reeves, Consultant Physician, NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde 9 years ago
Ian Reeves
Consultant Physician,
NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde

I'm one of the doctors in the medicine for the elderly dept. i.reeves@nhs.net

Submitted on 19/03/2015 at 11:11
Published on Care Opinion at 11:28

picture of Ian Reeves

Do you think there is anything we should (or could) have done better or differently to prepare you - before arriving at the scanner?

Ian

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Update posted by evelynv (the patient)

I can't think how Ian, apart from hearing a sound clip of a scanner when you're referred at your clinic appointment.

I've to go back for another scan after 2 lots of chemo, so at least I will know exactly what is involved second time around. Thanks.

Response from Craig White, Divisional Clinical Lead, Directorate of Healthcare Quality and Improvement, Scottish Government 9 years ago
Craig White
Divisional Clinical Lead, Directorate of Healthcare Quality and Improvement,
Scottish Government

Leadership team supporting improvements in quality across health & care services

Submitted on 21/03/2015 at 14:15
Published on Care Opinion at 14:39

picture of Craig White

Dear Both,

Thanks for demonstrating so clearly why Patient Opinion has such potential to support stronger connections with people who use and provide services within NHSScotland - connections based on personal engagement with the issues raised and a communication style that reflects NHSScotland values.

I am sure that many others reading your posting and responses will find them helpful,

Best regards,

Craig

Craig White

Divisional Clinical Lead, Scottish Government

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