We are listening - What information do you need?

Alison and I am the Superintendent Radiographer in MRI scanning at Wishaw General Hospital.

We use patient experience feedback to evaluate the service that we provide. In addition to Patient Opinion and comment cards, the Radiology Department at Wishaw General Hospital also invites patients to take part in a patient survey at least once a year.

We have recently completed our latest survey for the Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) department and whilst the feedback received was mainly positive, we are reviewing some areas to try and make improvements.

Making sure you have the right information is fundamental if we are to provide person-centred care for our patients. This enables you to make informed decisions about any investigations or treatments recommended for you. Where possible we try and provide written information to support discussions you may have had with your healthcare provider to achieve this. Whilst the majority of respondents to the survey were complimentary about verbal communication and explanations provided by staff; a small number of people hadn’t received written information to help prepare for their appointment and some others felt this information could be improved.

We have reviewed our administrative process to ensure all patients receive information leaflets by post ahead of their appointment, or that an electronic version can be e-mailed for short notice appointments.

We are reviewing our appointment letters as well as updating our information leaflet to include information you suggested. This includes the time taken for the test, the noise of the machine and a picture of the scanner:

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body.

You lie inside the tube during the scan.

It can be used to examine most parts of the body and the results can be used to diagnose conditions, plan treatment and to assess the effectiveness of previous treatment.

We know that people may be anxious when attending for an MRI, so we try very hard to minimise any waiting. Whilst nearly all the people who responded were seen within 30mins of their scheduled appointment time, you did suggest that the waiting area could be improved in particular new reading material.  These magazines are donated by staff in MRI when we have finished reading them.  Whilst they may not be the most up to date magazines we have got rid of the really old ones.  Please feel free to bring your own.

We also appreciate that people can feel vulnerable when having to change into hospital gowns, but this is necessary for the scan to be completed safely.  All staff work very hard to ensure that people are put at ease and we have changing cubicles close to the scanning rooms to maintain privacy and dignity.

If you are due to attend for an MRI scan and have any questions please contact the department on 01698 366468.

If you have an experience of Radiology Services you would like to share, please speak to a member of staff, respond on Patient Opinion, or visit the “Your Feedback” Section of the NHS Lanarkshire website to see the other ways to get in touch www.nhslanarkshire.org.uk