Private MRI Scan Leicester: Centres & What to Expect

Looking for a private MRI scan in Leicester? You've got options. Whether you need a quick knee or shoulder scan, a detailed brain MRI, or a comprehensive full body check, there are several private scanning centres in and around Leicester, and most accept self-referrals with no GP letter needed.

This page covers the Leicester scanning centres we expect to work with once MRI scans launch at Lola Health, how to get there, and what a private MRI involves from scan day to results.

Why Go Private for an MRI in Leicester?

The short answer: speed. Leicester's three NHS hospitals — the Royal Infirmary, Glenfield, and the General — share MRI capacity across a huge catchment area covering Leicestershire, Rutland, and parts of Northamptonshire. Routine MRI waiting times run 8-14 weeks, with the trust consistently sitting in the bottom half of the regional performance tables for diagnostic imaging waits.

Going private means you can typically get an appointment within a few days. You choose the centre, the time slot, and you're in and out within an hour. No referral letters, no chasing your GP surgery, no waiting for a letter that may or may not arrive.

There are other reasons too. Private MRI centres tend to have newer scanners, more comfortable facilities, and more time allocated per patient. Your scan is reported by a consultant radiologist (the same grade of doctor who reports NHS scans), and you get your results within 7 working days rather than waiting for an NHS follow-up appointment that might be weeks away.

MRI Scanning Centres in Leicester

Here are the private MRI centres in Leicester and the surrounding Leicestershire area that we expect to work with once MRI scans launch at Lola Health. All centres use modern MRI equipment and have scans reported by consultant radiologists.

Availability will depend on the centre. Pricing will be confirmed when MRI scans launch at Lola Health.

What Scans Will Be Available in Leicester?

When MRI scans launch at Lola Health, we expect to offer the following scans at Leicester centres:

Scan Type	Includes
Brain MRI	Neurological screening, tumour detection, stroke assessment
Knee MRI	Ligament, cartilage, meniscus assessment
Shoulder MRI	Rotator cuff, impingement, labral tears
Lumbar Spine MRI	Disc herniation, spinal stenosis, nerve compression
Hip MRI	Labral tears, arthritis, AVN screening
Cardiac MRI	Heart structure, function, cardiomyopathy screening
Prostate MRI	PI-RADS scoring, cancer screening
Full Body Base	Brain, spine, chest, abdomen, pelvis
Full Body Plus	Base + cardiac imaging, vascular assessment
Full Body Comprehensive	Plus + joint imaging, extended sequences

What to Expect on Scan Day

If it's your first MRI, here's a quick rundown so you know exactly what's happening.

Before you arrive: You'll get a confirmation email with your appointment time, the centre address, and any preparation instructions. Most scans don't need any prep — just wear comfortable clothes without metal zips or buttons. Leave jewellery and watches at home.

At the centre: Arrive 15 minutes early to complete a short safety questionnaire. The radiographer will check for any metal implants, pacemakers, or other contraindications. You'll be given a locker for your belongings and might need to change into a gown depending on the scan.

During the scan: You'll lie on a padded table that slides into the scanner. MRI machines are noisy — you'll hear knocking, buzzing, and whirring sounds, which is completely normal. You'll be given ear defenders or headphones. The radiographer will talk to you through an intercom and you'll have a squeeze ball to press if you need to stop at any point. Most scans take 20-45 minutes depending on the area being imaged.

After the scan: You can get up and leave straight away. There's no recovery time, no side effects, and no radiation exposure (MRI uses magnetic fields, not X-rays). You can drive home, go back to work, eat and drink normally.

Getting your results: A consultant radiologist will review your images and write a detailed report. You'll receive this within 7 working days, along with access to your images. If anything needs urgent attention, the team will contact you sooner.

Private MRI vs NHS in Leicester

University Hospitals of Leicester serves over a million people across three sites, and the pressure on MRI scanners is real. Routine waits of 8-14 weeks are standard, and for some specialties (particularly neurology and orthopaedics) the waits can stretch longer. Private MRI in Leicester puts you in the scanner within a week and gets your report back within 7 working days.

It's worth noting that private MRI doesn't replace NHS care. If your scan reveals something that needs treatment, you can take your results straight to your GP or a consultant. Having a detailed MRI report in hand often speeds up the NHS pathway significantly — your GP doesn't need to refer you for imaging because it's already done.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a GP referral for a private MRI in Leicester?

No. Private MRI centres generally accept self-referrals, so you don't need a GP letter. If you do have a referral letter or relevant medical history, it can be useful context for the reporting radiologist — but it's entirely optional.

How much does a private MRI cost in Leicester?

Pricing will be confirmed when MRI scans launch at Lola Health.

How long does an MRI scan take?

Most individual scans take 20-45 minutes. Full body scans take 60-90 minutes. The centre will give you an accurate time estimate before your scan.

Is MRI safe?

Yes. MRI uses magnetic fields and radio waves — not radiation. There's no X-ray exposure, no injection required for most scans, and no recovery time. The main safety consideration is metal: if you have a pacemaker, metal implants, or metal fragments in your body, you'll need to discuss this with the team before your scan.

When will I get my results?

Your images are reviewed by a consultant radiologist, and you'll receive a detailed written report within 7 working days. If anything requires urgent attention, the team will contact you sooner. You'll also get access to your scan images.

Other MRI Scan Locations

Not based in Leicester? Read our guides to private MRI centres in other UK cities:

• Private MRI Scan Nottingham
• Private MRI Scan Coventry
• Private MRI Scan Birmingham
• Private MRI Scan Sheffield
• View all MRI scan locations →