I find that having the open scanner is more relaxing and comfortable for the “Larger” patients than the normal scanner.
I am claustrophobic and there is no way I could have had this scan in a mainstream MRI. You were very interesting and kind!
A test which I wasn’t looking forward to was made as comfortable as possible.
Quick appointment. Excellent facilities. Excellent staff. Very good care and information given every step of the way. A traumatic experience made to feel like a good day out because of the staff involved.
The staff are so friendly and helped me to remain relaxed. The machine was totally different to the closed one. Very tolerable.
I was very nervous coming for my MRI as I had some panic attacks previously in the tunnel type, but on arrival the receptionist was very pleasant and staff attending me were very kind and understanding while I was having my MRI. They explained everything to me and I had a friend sit with me, I soon felt at ease and comfortable. I now have no fears of any future open scanning.
I was completely put at ease and everything was explained to me fully which helped as I was unable to have the closed (tunnel ) MRI scan.
Appointment time was excellent, reassurance from staff was great. The whole appointment experience was 100% from time of receiving appointment date to actual day and during the scan. So much more of a chilled environment than what I have experienced before in other hospitals and this really helps when you’re feeling anxious. Croydon really did have all the tools to help me overcome my claustrophobia.
August 2011
The open scanner really combats the fear of claustrophobia.
I was very apprehensive about undergoing another MRI scan but the staff could not have been more supportive and understanding to my needs. The open scanner is absolutely lovely, it was almost a pleasurable experience!
July 2011
The scan was more open than the one before, also much wider and I felt better for it and I had completed my scan , even though I was nervous the staff were absolutely brilliant.
June 2011
Staff were kind and understanding. I found it a very restful experience. Thank you again for all your kindness and patience.
Great experience! Punctual, Friendly, Clean and they KEEP THEIR PROMISES!
March 2011
All of the staff were very helpful and very friendly. Made me feel welcome and nothing was too much trouble. I knew exactly what was going to happen and I felt at complete ease. Thank you!
Staff were brilliant and put me at my ease!
February 2011
I was asked to have an MRI scan and knowing how claustrophobic I am even in lifts this was going to be hard but I thought I had better give it a go as the consultant needed the results. I attended for my MRI in a tunnel scanner and this did not go too well, yes I had read the leaflets and explanations but I had a panic attack and felt so claustrophobic that I could not complete the scan.
At home I researched the internet about the Open MRI scanners and felt this would be the way ahead for me. I found Croydon University Hospital and decided to travel from Hertfordshire to Croydon and it was well worth it. The staff were so great and so helpful and put you at ease. The open scanner at Croydon is definitely the way forward for patients like myself.
Kind and reassuring staff. Lovely Open MRI scanner!
October 2010
I am writing to thank your team for the kindness, consideration and respect shown to me when I attended your MRI unit. I can’t have a normal MRI because I am very claustrophobic and even though I was having an open scan I was still very nervous, it took several attempts to put me into a position where I was both comfortable & confident for the scan to go ahead. It’s a great pity the general public are not aware of incidents such as this , people are quick to criticise and complain of bad experiences so I would like to be one of many I’m sure to express my praise and gratitude to all your MRI team for my very good experience.
I thank you, I was so well looked after even though I was very afraid when I arrived but the staff took such good care of me that I stopped worrying.
Thank you again so much!
September 2010
I have had several MRI scans in the dreaded tunnel, the last 3 attempts were not successful. I then decided never to put myself through this experience again, then after my consultant said in order for me to have a better life he needs to see an up to date MRI. So I arrived and had talked myself round in the waiting room , then when going in the room at first I thought I wouldn’t do it then after the very nice nurse calmed me down and I laid on the machine I realised it was ok , I DONE IT WHOOOO!
Thank you to all the staff, an open scanner is definitely the way forward and if I can do it YOU CAN.
All staff were kind, friendly and helpful and ALWAYS smiling.
I was extremely nervous because I had gone for an MRI scan previously and was unable to cope with going through the tunnel , it was important that I was able to get this scan done and I felt tearful and anxious about that. I was told how long it would take and that they would talk to me at intervals to tell me how long it was going to be, this was very good for me. The whole process I felt was handled by all staff in a kind & caring way that was reassuring all the way through.
The experience was one I was able to cope with. I feel that if I have to have another scan i would be prepared to do the long journey to Croydon in order to be able to walk away from the hospital having had my scan done and completed.
