Inflatable MRI scanner helps calm children's nerves in Teesside
An inflatable MRI scanner appeared at James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough
It is hoped an inflatable MRI scanner will help children in Teesside overcome their anxieties before coming face-to-face with a real one.
Staff at James Cook Hospital in Middlesbrough say young people are normally very scared, with some even having to be sedated.
But thanks to an MRI Fun day at the Hospital, an inflatable scanner has been helping to prepare young children for their scans.
Following extensive feedback from parents, the radiology department organised a special fun day for paediatric patients yesterday (Saturday 5th July), from 11am to 4pm, at the children's outpatients department in James Cook.
The fun day included a variety of games and activities for children to get involved in, alongside the installation of an inflatable MRI scanner for the day, which simulates the real-life experience of what it’s like for little ones undergoing an MRI scan
The inflatable scanner is a less imposing way to help children overcome their anxieties, while giving them a chance to practice lying still, before they enter a real MRI scanner.
Those in the NHS say too often, children can be scared of getting an MRI scan for a variety of reasons, including a risk of claustrophobia, loud and repetitive noises and lack of understanding – to name a few.
However, thanks to a generous donation by the British and Irish Chapter of the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (BIC-ISMRM), the radiology department was successful in acquiring an inflatable MRI scanner for the day – playing a small part in calming the nerves of worried children.
Several parents who attended the event noticed a positive impact on their children after being exposed to the inflatable scanner – praising how their kids were more prepared and stress-free.
MRI lead, Joanne Smith said: “We were extremely pleased that we could get an inflatable MRI scanner for our paediatric patients.
“We have often seen that children are quite anxious about getting an MRI scan for various reasons. But thanks to the inflatable MRI scanner, many young children and their parents could see what it’s like to get a scan in a safe and fun way, and it has helped to put their minds at ease.”
Indie Kruger, eight, is one of the children who attended and had the chance to have a look around the inflatable scanner.
She had a real MRI scan on the same day, but was quite confused and scared about what would happen at the scan.
Indie’s mother Sarah Ward, who accompanied her child for the scan, said: “She was really looking forward to coming to the hospital and experiencing what an inflatable MRI scan felt like, before her real appointment a few hours later.
“As an eight-year-old, it is quite hard to explain to her why she needs an MRI scan or what happens while you’re in the scanner. So, it was a huge relief to know that an inflatable scanner was available for Indie to have a go in, which helped her prepare for the real thing.”