InHealth MRI - Frimley Park Hospital

Updated 2 October 2018

Frimley Park Hospital Scanning Centre is an independent health provider delivering Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans. An MRI is a type of scan that uses magnets and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body. MRI services are provided to self-funded and NHS patients within the setting of Frimley Park Hospital in Surrey.

The Scanning Centre provides 14 hours of MRI services from 7am to 9pm, Monday to Sunday. The unit opened in October 1993 as a managed MRI service by Lister Bestcare (now InHealth), in partnership with Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust. The service is currently provided by InHealth Limited as a regulated activity independent of Frimley Health Radiology Services.

In 2009, an extension to the operating agreement was required by the trust to manage, increased volumes of patients requiring MRI investigations. A relocatable MRI unit was installed in December 2013 at the rear of Frimley to respond to the increased demands for MRI scans at Frimley Park. This accommodated outpatients with no mobility issues or inpatients who were well enough and physically able to be scanned on the relocatable unit. The MRI service had seen an increased volume of referrals over five years and, in response to this demand InHealth Limited signed an extension of the MRI service with the host site. InHealth plans to add a second relocatable unit in August 2018, and will be providing a replacement machine for the static scanner in October/November 2018. The managed service will be provided by InHealth Limited as an interim solution while the host site builds a new imaging centre on the site of the current unit (estimated completion 2021).

Updated 2 October 2018

Updated 2 October 2018

Overall, we rated diagnostic imaging as good because:

• Staff had a good understanding of how to report incidents and learning from incidents was shared locally and across the organisation.
• There was a clear management structure and clear lines of accountability. Service and organisational leaders were described as visible and approachable. The culture of the service drove improvement and delivery of high quality care.
• All patients gave valid informed consent prior to their procedure and staff were aware of their responsibilities under the Mental Capacity Act 2005.
• The service followed InHealth Limited’s complaints procedure and complaints were discussed at the complaints, litigation, incidents and compliments meetings and shared with staff.
• Equipment was well maintained and tested annually or in accordance with manufacturers’ guidelines.
• Staff were qualified and had the appropriate skills to carry out their roles effectively and in line with best practice. Staff were supported to enhance their skills and extend the roles within the service.
• Services were planned and delivered in a way which met the needs of the local population. Waiting times and cancellations were minimal and managed appropriately.