We recently spoke to Grace, who lives in Furness, and who recently had a MRI appointment at the new Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) at Furness General Hospital, in Barrow.
Grace said:
“I was referred to the unit for an MRI scan by my consultant. I waited approximately four weeks to be contacted by phone for an appointment time and date and was given an early morning appointment within the following week.”
This was followed up with an online letter and then a text message 24hours prior to her appointment time as a reminder.
“I thought the text worthwhile, it reminded me of my time and if it helps prevent people from missing their appointments, I’m all for it.”
Situated adjacent to Crosslands Day Unit and opposite the boiler house it is easily accessed by a level accessible, electronic door. Car parking for patients is situated outside the boiler house with two accessible parking spaces and a few 30minute short stay spaces.
The day of her appointment, Grace parked in the bottom main car park, which was a few minutes’ walk away, she hadn’t realised there was short stay, free, parking opposite the centre and being unsure of her length of appointment it would be doubtful she would use the short stay and run the risk of a parking fine for overstaying her allotted time.
Arriving in time for her appointment, Grace waited for half an hour till she was called into the MRI suite. The suite inside was clean, fresh, and very airy. The staff explained everything to her, showed her to a private area to get changed and then completed a pre-scan form for safety with her.
Once completed, Grace was taken into the scanning area and made to feel comfortable at the scanner. “I was very nervous about having a scan, I’m claustrophobic and didn’t like the idea of having my head inside the scanner, but the staff helped me to feel as comfortable as possible. She was given earplugs to lessen the noise and a set of headphones playing some music to pass the time. She was also given a buzzer, to press if she was concerned about anything.
“That made me feel a bit more secure, having the buzzer in my hand. Afterwards I felt relieved, I don’t like enclosed spaces but glad I had it done.”
Grace shared that the staff informed her that she would hear about her results from her consultant, although they did not know the timescale.
Read more about the CDC at Furness General Hospital here.
Have you been for a test at either Kendal or Barrow CDC?
Tell us about your experience by emailing [email protected] or calling 0300 373 2820.