"Excellent"

Found Heath Lodge via recommendation of the spouse of a recent user. I was dubious at first as I thought £245 seemed very inexpensive for an MRI. I contacted the clinic and once my referral was accepted (via email) I received a call back (same day) to confirm the price of the scan and an appointment.

On the day of my MRI on 27 Dec we travelled from Leicester to Birmingham in the snow. I was in great pain and having arrived a little early we were checked in and shown to a beatifiul waiting area and advised we could help ourselves to hot beveridges. The clinic was spotlessly clean but felt relaxing and welcoming.

We were seen very quickly and after completing the health questionnaire, we were greeted and taken by two nurses/radiologists (my apologies if I have your titles incorrect!) to a locker to leave our valuables.

They were most empathetic and kind as I was barely able to walk even though I had taken as many painkillers as possibe.

They ensured I was made as comfortable as was possible under the circumstances and reassured me every step of the way (which is most important to patients who are in pain and anxious). I was told the scan would take approximately 12 minutes and that I could press a hand held buzzer at any time if I felt anxious. The scanning was broken into different sections ranging from 30 seconds to 2.5 minutes and I was told about each step via a headset.

My husband was allowed to sit with me and hold my hand.

I was in an 'open' scanner which basically meant it was quite a bit shorter and wider than the usual MRI scanner (which I've had previously and hated). I went in feet first and my head was just on the outer edge of the scanner.

There was no claustrophobia. I was surprised that included in the cost was a private consultation with a consultant radiologist on the same day.

We waited around 10 minutes to be seen. The doctor went though my results explaining everything clearly and answering our questions.

I was given my own disc with all my photographs of the scan before leaving.

Heath Lodge also offer a pain management service with a consultation starting at £200.

I can honestly say I would not hesitate in recommending Heath Lodge to anyone in need of their services. I was treated with care, compassion and empathy. It was the best £245 I have spent in a long time and I was able to receive a professional and fast diagnosis.

I have worked for the NHS for over 26 years and would not fault them in times of emergency but for referrals for scans and the hoops you have to jump through just to get a referral is scandalous.

I realise this is due to budget constraints and the enormous pressures of numbers using the service but I find it sad that when in need the service is not adequate however I was fortunate enough to be able to pay for my scan and would say to anyone in a similar position to do so please do not wait;

Heath Lodge are fantastic and I heartily recommend them. Thank you everyone at Heath Lodge.