Leeds business aims to make private MRI scans more accessible to the public

A private MRI scanning business based at Headingley Stadium is hoping to raise awareness of how people can access medical imaging without facing lengthy waiting lists.

New Horizons Imaging, based at the home of Leeds Rhinos, is encouraging people to take greater control of their healthcare by making use of private MRI scans, which in many cases can be accessed without a GP referral.

Director and radiographer Wayne Varley said many people were unaware they could arrange an MRI scan themselves, rather than relying on a referral through their GP or Physiotherapist.

He told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “We all know about the problems in getting imaging and even getting a doctor to refer you for an MRI within a reasonable period of time.

“What we want to do, apart from making the journey for the patient a lot quicker, smoother and easier, is to make the public aware that they can do things themselves.

“People can self-refer for an MRI - private MRI is available to everybody.”

The business offers single-area MRI scans for £400, with patients receiving both their images and a report following the appointment.

While private imaging comes at a cost, Wayne said prices had fallen considerably, making it more accessible than some people might expect.

He hopes the service will provide an alternative for those who do not want to wait months for a diagnosis through the NHS.

Based at Headingley Stadium, New Horizons Imaging is also the official imaging partner of Leeds Rhinos, providing scans for the club’s players.

Wayne said the location offered an opportunity to reach people who might already be visiting the stadium for rugby, cricket or business events, but were unaware the scanning service was available.

He added that raising awareness remained one of the biggest challenges for the relatively new business, with many people still believing an MRI scan can only be arranged through a medical referral.

Another key part of the business is its commitment to scanning younger patients.

Wayne says New Horizons are keen to ensure children under-16 could access private MRI imaging, as he believed many providers in the area would not scan them, even with a referral.

He told the YEP: “The last thing you want is not having injuries looked at while they’re still growing, and causing potential long-term injuries later down the line.”

Through its work with both professional athletes and members of the public, New Horizons Imaging hopes to make private diagnostic imaging a more familiar and accessible option for people across Leeds.