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YouTube video shows patients what to expect from MRI scan

Patient John Milnes and Supt Radiographer Anthony Mcintyre who feature on the MRI patient information video

Patient John Milnes and Supt Radiographer Anthony Mcintyre in front of an MRI scanner

A patient is sharing the benefit of his experience to help others having an MRI scan. John Milnes, of Brook Street, Oxford, features in the video which was recorded at the city’s Churchill Hospital and at his home.

It was coordinated by the Oxford Academic Health Science Network, filmed by Oxford Medical Illustration and is posted on YouTube.

John said: “Having an MRI scan for the first time is potentially quite daunting. I would have loved something like this showing me what to expect from a patient’s perspective before I had mine. I was delighted to get involved. Hopefully it will help other patients and allay any fears they may have before coming in for a scan.”

The video will be highlighted in patient information sent to the 7,000 patients who have an MRI scan at the Churchill each year. Details will also be sent to GPs so they can tell their patients when they are referred for an MRI scan.

Prof Fergus Gleeson is both the Clinical Lead for the Oxford AHSN Imaging Clinical Network and Divisional Director of Clinical Support Services at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust. He said: “An immediate aim of the Imaging Network is to make radiology departments more user friendly and improve public understanding of the services provided. To help with this, videos will be made of patients undergoing imaging tests such as MRI and CT – this is the first of these.”

Imaging Clinical Network Manager Jenni Lee said: “We identified a gap in patient information that we could fill with a bit of help from a patient. John’s presence was crucial in making the short film credible for patients. We’re very grateful to him for giving up his time to make it possible. We hope it helps others going through a similar experience.”

Anthony Mcintyre, a Superintendent Radiographer, who appears alongside John in the video, said: “Anything that helps make it a less stressful environment for patients is good for everybody. The video dispels some myths. I would recommend patients watch it before they come in if they have any doubts about the procedure.”