Patients who have already been referred for an MRI scan to a mainland centre do not need to seek a new referral from their GP or healthcare professional. The NHS Western Isles MRI team is reviewing all existing referrals. Where scans can be safely and appropriately carried out locally, patients will be allocated an appointment at the Eileanan Siar MRI Care Centre. Those who have already received an appointment for a mainland MRI should continue to attend as scheduled.
Currently, there are nearly 150 patients awaiting MRI scans, with some referrals dating back to June, who were previously referred to the mainland before the commencement of the new local service. The team is committed to processing this wait list as swiftly as possible.
The aim is to significantly reduce the current waiting list over the next four weeks. This timeline is contingent upon the volume of urgent referrals received, as urgent and clinically time-sensitive cases will continue to receive priority.
Once the initial waiting list is addressed, the objective is for patients to typically receive an MRI appointment within approximately two to three weeks of referral. This target will, however, be subject to the overall demand for the new local service and the number of urgent cases requiring priority.
