Open MRI Scanner accepting referrals from all over the UK and further afield.
Fast appointments in our spacious, patient-friendly scanner.

Newcastle Clinic is a private facility providing MRI scans and diagnostic imaging facilities. We also accept NHS referrals for patients who are claustrophobic, of large build or who struggle to tolerate a closed scanner.

Patients who have attended for an MRI scan in our open scanner have reported they had a more comfortable and relaxing experience than in a closed MRI scanner.

After investing over one million pounds in our MRI suite, we are proud to offer the very best and latest in diagnostic imaging equipment.

We offer a streamlined service, from receipt of referral to your results being sent to your referrer.

All MRI scans are reported by our experienced consultant radiologist team, within 7-10 working days of your scan appointment.  Please note your results will only be sent to your referrer who can discuss these with you.

Get in touch

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    Open MRI Scanner

    The open MRI scanner at Newcastle Clinic is more than double the width of a traditional scanner, and as it has no sides, it is completely open for the patient to see everything around them at all times. This provides a much more comfortable experience for our patients who may be anxious or claustrophobic. Our open scanner is quieter than a traditional MRI scanner (hence no ear protection is required) and provides a much more relaxing experience.

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    Head Position

    The image shows the standard head position that patients will adopt when using our Open MRI Scanner.  We use a halo shaped aerial (receive coil), which sits comfortably and avoids covering your face.

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    Lumbar Spine

    The image shows the Lumbar Spine position that patients can expect when using our Open MRI Scanner.  For scans of areas below the waist we can usually position you feet first to perform the scan.

    What to expect: Obese MRI scan

    Obese patients requiring an open MRI scan should request a referral from their GP. We can accept NHS referrals from anywhere in the UK, and patients should note that Newcastle Clinic offers the only open MRI in the North East of England, Scotland or Cumbria. As a private clinic, we can usually offer you an appointment within 5-7 working days and will provide diagnostic imaging results within a further 7-10 working days. The scanner table weight limit is 35 stone / 220kg. The space is 38cm / 15" from top to bottom.  For scans of the  Lumbar spine, Abdomen or Pelvis, this space is 30cm / 12" with a circumference of 150cm / 59" (or 37cm / 14" with a circumference under 125cm / 49").

    What to expect: Claustrophobic patients having an open MRI

    We can offer claustrophobic patients MRI scans from the NHS or privately funded. If you require an MRI scan, you can request a referral to our private clinic from your GP or medical consultant. We will usually arrange an appointment within 7 working days and are happy to discuss the scan with you beforehand or show you the MRI scanner to ease your mind.

    In the open scanner, we can also position patients in different ways to ensure you can complete your scan comfortably.

    We will be able to tell you an estimated time of the scan duration beforehand and are available to speak to you at all times.  The duration of the MRI scan depends on the area(s) of the body and on average it takes 20-30 minutes per area.  You will also be given the patient call button during the procedure.

    Please keep in mind that 99% of our patients successfully complete their MRI in the open scanner. We will do everything we can to make the experience positive and as relaxing as possible.

    The benefits of our open MRI scanner

    No enclosed tube
    so it’s claustrophobic
    friendly

    Suited to large patients

    You can have a
    relative hold your
    hand throughout

    Short wait times

    Less noise than a
    closed MRI scan

    Free parking

    How to request a referral
    to the open MRI scanner

    Click Here

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Learn more

    "I was very anxious and the staff were very friendly and understanding. I felt very looked after and cared for and it made my MRI experience so much better. Thank you to the lovely nurse who sat in with me"

    - MRI Patient April 2026

    "Everybody from the reception to clinicians were great! Excellent experience Thank you."

    - MRI Patient April 2026

    "Staff were absolutely amazing, Comforting and accommodating. Thank you for such a comfortable experience"

    - MRI Patient March 2026

    "From entering the building the staff were very friendly and so polite Thank you for making me feel so comfortable"

    - MRI Patient March 2026

    "Excellent experience calm staff who showed empathy and patience"

    - MRI Patient March 2026

    "Thank you for all your patience and understanding. You made my experience so much better than I expected. Lovely staff"

    - MRI Patient February 2026

    "Staff in department were very helpful and sympathetic to my needs and made a very anxious time much more tolerable"

    - MRI Patient February 2026

    "I've had numerous scans before now and always had a panic attack. Todays experience was the total opposite! The 2 radiographers were superb! They were patient, caring and even made me laugh! Thank you so much for making a dreaded ordeal relaxing for me"

    - MRI Patient January 2026

    "Despite significant issues with claustrophobia, I managed to have the scan. The staff were fabulous. So very patient and did not rush me. Thank you!"

    - MRI Patient January 2026

    "Stunning level of understanding and empathy. Without the staff I don’t think I could have coped. A really huge thank you!"    

    - MRI Patient July 2023

    "Great Staff very grateful for the care"  

    - MRI Patient July 2023

    "Everyone was so supportive, friendly and kind. I was very nervous but was put at ease straight away"

    - MRI Patient July 2023

    "All the staff are very friendly and welcoming. Everything was explained no waiting around"

    - MRI Patient June 2023

    "Excellent service"

    - Ultrasound Patient November 2022

    "Clinic staff were very nice and kept me calm, very accommodating to my needs, explained everything thoroughly"

    - MRI Patient Jan 2023

    "Fantastic staff, no pain, made to feel very comfortable"

    - II Patient Jan 2023

    "Very professional friendly staff. I was put at ease straight away. Thank you"

    - MRI Patient Nov 2022

    "The staff were very informative and understanding towards my back pain/stiffness and feeling claustrophobic. Thank you"

    - MRI Patient Nov 2022