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About: Kent & Canterbury Hospital

I drove my friend for a mri scan. We both use wheelchairs, we parked right by mri unit.. can’t book in there you have to go to X-ray. Not advised in advance, glad we have chairs. Then we find out that it’s actually at the mobile unit?? We use chairs why did they not mention this. As it was a very important spinal scan she said she had to have it done. Unit D was our destination but this didn’t appear on any signs?? After a very long drive we arrive at unit D, then we find out that she isn’t allowed to use her chair to get to the scanner we were told 300 m away apparently. They wanted to rebook the scan but I guess it doesn’t matter as they aren’t the ones that may not walk because of spinal problems!! She wasn’t allowed to use her wheelchair to get to the outside unit. We asked to borrow crutches to help her walk but no they aren’t available in hospital?? She was forced to struggle there on foot, which will now mean 2 days she will lose due to overwhelming pain and fatigue. Guys wake up this is 2023 not everyone can walk some of us need wheelchairs. Why was it never mentioned that it was going to be a mobile scanner when appointment was made, but that would have been so simple. I feel sorry for those that still walk but not very far and with great difficulty. I would advise you to choose another hospital as the initial treatment we have received at booking is appalling. My friend couldn’t rebook as I wasn’t available to take her for another 3 weeks. When she arrived back we find that she had been lied to as she could have gone to the scanner by chair on the outside with the escort she had. Use different hospital. !!!!!!!!!

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Responses

Response from Head of Patient Voice and Involvement, Clinical Quality and Patient Safety, East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust 13 months ago
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
Submitted on 05/04/2023 at 14:28
Published on Care Opinion at 14:28


I am so sorry you and your friend had this experience. I will forward your comments to the MRI manager. Your friend should have been asked if they can manage stairs. We do rely on those referring patients for an MRI to make us aware of access needs. We can look into whether they did and if so, why this wasn't picked up by the service.

For us to do this we'd need some more information. If your friend, or you with their permission, can kindly contact our Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) on tel: 01227 783145 or email: ekh-tr.pals@nhs.net they can assist you. PALS are open Monday to Friday 9am to 4pm, except bank holidays. If you phone and get the voicemail please leave a message and the team will get back to you.

Once again, please accept our apologies.

Best wishes

Response from East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust 13 months ago
We are preparing to make a change
East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
Submitted on 05/04/2023 at 18:50
Published on Care Opinion on 06/04/2023 at 08:37


All of our patients should be asked to complete a MRI safety questionnaire and contact us if there is any concern at all. Also we do have a line on the letter indicating that access to the scanner is via a set of steps.

We will look into this again and give as much information as possible on future appointment letters.

Best wishes.

Principal MRI Radiographer.

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