Moray Patients Gain Access to MRI Scans in Inverness to Reduce Waits

Patients in the Moray region are now able to access MRI scans in Inverness, addressing the issue of long waiting times. This initiative arises from a temporary agreement between NHS Grampian and NHS Highland, aimed at improving patient care and expediting the diagnostic process.

The collaboration will allow individuals on the waiting list in Moray to receive appointments at a mobile MRI unit located at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness. Radiology service manager Claire Vernon expressed optimism about the arrangement, stating, “We are grateful to NHS Highland for making appointments available to us. This will help reduce our waiting list and clear the current backlog of referrals.”

Appointments are set to begin in the week of October 6, 2023, with the program expected to continue until February 2026. Patients awaiting an MRI scan do not need to take any action; NHS Grampian will contact them directly to arrange their appointments.

Should additional capacity become available, the offer may also extend to patients in north Aberdeenshire. This expansion could further alleviate waiting times and improve access to essential diagnostic services in the region.

Katherine Sutton, Chief Officer for Acute Services at NHS Highland, welcomed the partnership. “We are delighted to be working closely with NHS Grampian to ensure the continued delivery of high-quality radiology services. This temporary partnership is beneficial to patient outcomes while helping to reduce waiting times,” she remarked.

This initiative is a significant step toward enhancing healthcare access and quality for the residents of Moray and surrounding areas. By utilizing the resources of NHS Highland, NHS Grampian aims to address the pressing issue of long waiting times for essential medical imaging services, ultimately benefiting patient health outcomes.