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Still waiting after 6 weeks for an MRI result

Posted By AEBW

"Still waiting after 6 weeks for an MRI result"

About: Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France / Xrays and scans Western General Hospital / Urology

(as the patient),

Following a number of other symptoms/tests I was referred as a 'Priority' for an MRI scan in early August.  I had the MRI scan in mid August at the mobile unit of the Royal in Edinburgh.

6 weeks later I am still waiting for the results.

My GP tells me to call the Urology department.

Urology tell me to call Radiology department.

Radiology tell me to call Urology department.

I am repeatedly told by everyone it's a busy time and people are on holiday.

I'm in my 50s.  My father was diagnosed with cancer at in his 40s and died the following year.  Usually a very unfazed person, given this history I'm a little anxious.

Being sent as a 'priority' for an MRI and then waiting with no update other than chasing people around yourself for 6 weeks is inhumane. End of September Still waiting...

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Responses

Response from Carol Stewart, Radiology Manager, Radiology, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, NHS Lothian 3 weeks ago
Carol Stewart
Radiology Manager, Radiology, Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh,
NHS Lothian

Submitted on 29/09/2025 at 09:11
Published on Care Opinion at 09:12

Dear AEBW,

I am sorry to hear you have not received your MRI results and understand this is very distressing for you.

We currently do have a delay in our MRI reporting but this is due to the volume of requests for imaging and we are actively addressing this with an additional reporting resource.

Unfortunately I do not have your personnel details so am unable to investigate your specific case. If you would like to contact the Patient Experience Team they can pass your details on to allow me to review the current status of your MRI report.

Kind Regards

Carol Stewart

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Response from Mariska Vernon-Stroud, Patient Experience Team Lead, Patient Experience Team, NHS Lothian 3 weeks ago
Mariska Vernon-Stroud
Patient Experience Team Lead, Patient Experience Team,
NHS Lothian

I gather feedback from patients to recognise good practise and supporting improving services in NHS Lothian.

Submitted on 29/09/2025 at 10:00
Published on Care Opinion at 10:00

Dear AEBW,

I echo Carol's response and want to express my apologies for the delay you are experiencing.

As suggested you can contact the Patient Experience Team by telephone on 0131 536 3370 (Mon-Fri, (9am-2pm) or by email on LOTH.feedback@nhs.scot and the team will ensure that your details are passed onto the Carol who will review the status of your report.

Kind regards,

Mariska

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Update posted by AEBW (the patient)

I still have not received the MRI results. However, I have received a digital appointment letter for a biopsy.

Earlier in the process I was told that a biopsy would only be necessary if the MRI indicated something abnormal that needed to be investigated.

I'm therefore left guessing that something abnormal has been detected but I have no idea.

I feel that this cannot be acceptable to anyone.

Response from Mariska Vernon-Stroud, Patient Experience Team Lead, Patient Experience Team, NHS Lothian 3 weeks ago
Mariska Vernon-Stroud
Patient Experience Team Lead, Patient Experience Team,
NHS Lothian

I gather feedback from patients to recognise good practise and supporting improving services in NHS Lothian.

Submitted on 30/09/2025 at 13:53
Published on Care Opinion at 13:53

Dear AEBW,

Thank you for your update and I understand your increased concern following this letter. If you haven't done so already, please can I advise you to contact the Patient Experience Team so we can pass your details onto Carol and the Radiology team, who may be able to support you.

Kind regards,

Mariska

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