Medical Imaging

The Helyer MRI suite is situated in the Gilbert Bain Hospital in Lerwick. It can be found on the ground floor of the hospital, and is signposted from the main reception.

Walk through video

This walk through video aims to help you prepare for your visit, how to find the Helyer Suite and what to expect at your appointment. Please click the link here: https://youtu.be/NP2_o58Ylng

Frequently Asked Questions

What does MRI stand for?

MRI stands for Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Is there a bathroom or changing room?

There are toilets located in the MRI reception area, and a changing room you will be shown too should you need to get changed for your scan.

What should I expect at my MRI scan? Which staff will help me?

You will be guided and supported through the process by MRI Radiographers and an assistant Practitioner. Your safety questionnaire will be checked through when you arrive and signed by a radiographer

• You may need to get changed
• You may need a contrast injection which involves a cannular being inserted into a vein by an MRI Radiographer
• You will need to remove all jewellery (except a gold or platinum wedding band as this is not magnetic), watch, wallet, keys and anything electrical which can be left in secure lockers
• The scan is noisy, you will be given ear plugs and sometimes headphones, it is important to keep very still.
• You can listen to music or watch a moving picture on a screen at the back of the scanning room while having your MRI scan.

Why will I be asked to remove all metal items?

Metal items can be pulled off by the strong magnetic field. The MRI staff will ask you about your past medical history, such as if you have any metal implants from previous operations or metal in your body from an accident.

How long will I be lying in the scanner?

This varies depending on what is being scanned. The length of time can vary from 15 minutes to 90 minutes.

Can it sometimes feel noisy or claustrophobic in the MRI scanner?

Yes, sometimes. However you will be supported every step of the way, we are lucky in Shetland to have a wide bore MRI scanner so it is wider than older models. We are also very lucky to have Philips "ambiant experience", which includes mood lighting, relaxing music and quite a few videos/films/series etc. which can help you relax and be a welcome distraction from the scanner noise.

Are children able to be assessed in the MRI scanner?

Yes, as long as they are able to remain still for the entire examination without the need for sedation/anaesthesia.

I've previously had an MRI scan elsewhere, can I now be scanned Shetland?

In most cases, yes. However, there are some scans we can't do in Shetland yet and these include cardiac, breast and very young children/adults needing sedation.

I'm waiting for a scan off island, can I asked to be scanned in Shetland?

Depending on the type of scan you are having, you may be able to have your scan in Shetland. Please call us on the main hospital reception number on 01595 743000 and ask to be put through to X-ray.

How will I receive my results?

After your examination the images are sent electronically to the Radiologist's reporting system. The Radiologists will then report on the images and this will then be sent electronically to the Consultant who referred you for your scan.

What does Helyer mean?

 In Shetland dialect Helyer means a sea-cave into which the tide flows.