"MRI scan"

Hello,

Just wanted to drop a line about my recent experience at the MRI clinic at Cromer.

I have suffered from really bad back for several weeks now due to picking up a heavy load of compost and awkwardly getting it into my car! Finally, after xrays and copious quantities of pain killers my doc asked for an MRI to be carried out. Unfortunately, due to my height and weight it was deemed necessary to go via the N&N which involved a very long wait - possibly up to 7-8 weeks further! I wanted to go to Cromer as the first appt was only on the 12th July, but the scanner is a small version and the staff thought it would be appropriate to use a larger version, hence Norwich, particlularly as I did have a smallish fear of enclosed spaces. But, nevertheless, I could go down to Cromer and have a look at the machine to see if it would be ok for me.

Like most people, I was not too keen in being stuck in a tube so understood their concern about using a smaller scanner, but was visiting Cromer last Friday anyway and went to the MRI building, where I was met by a very charming and helpful member of staff who explained that someone else was in the scanner but I was welcome to wait. They then went off to see how long a wait there would be to be able to view - or so I thought!

This member of staff then came back and asked me to follow them to a changing room. Strange I thought! But it turned out that I was going to have the scan there and then! I was introduced to 2 radiographers who helped me get on the table and away we went. The top was very close to me as I am a big guy, but importantly I had had no chance to be worried and was actually almost asleep during the process which took about 20 minutes and all was done very professionally.

I can honestly state that I was looked after so well by the staff in this unit that I had no chance to get worried - I did have a button if needed, but no chance to use it and as they were so solicitous about my fear it was totally negated. I have had scans before, both in the UK and abroad and in all cases was very nervous.

I cannot commend the staff here more highly, especially that member of staff. I really was looked after so well - it might as well have been a private appt. They were all superb and very cautious about getting me onto the bed due to my back.

I must admit though that I have found nothing but excellent care at both hospitals, having unfortunately been admitted on 2 other occasions, where the treatment, after care, staff etc have all been superb and wonderful examples of how the NHS does look after its patients.

However this occasion really did stick out as one of the best experiences from an NHS hospital. They all went well beyond the call of duty and I really would commend this hospital to everyone. Plus, I do believe that I may have got rid of my fear of MRI scanners, which was basically unfounded.

Thank you everyone and especially that member of staff, and not just because they have the same surname