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Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or MRI, is a diagnostic scan performed to take pictures of the inside of your body.

About this service

We offer MRI scans for various body parts including the brain, spine, breast, abdomen/pelvis and musculoskeletal system.

We use a very strong magnet and radio waves to get our images. MRI safety is very important and not everyone is safe to have a scan. If we think it is not safe for you to have an MRI scan we will discuss alternatives with your referring doctor.

Who we care for

Our MRI Department performs scans for people in:

  • the Canberra Hospital Emergency Department
  • inpatients (people who are admitted to hospital)
  • outpatients (people who are only visiting the hospital and have a referral from a doctor).

We also provide 24 hours a day, 7 days a week services for emergencies.

Our services are available for patients with a referral from their specialist or GP.

Medicare will cover most specialist referrals. Most GP referrals and some specialist referrals are not covered by Medicare and you will have to pay for the scan.

If you do not meet the Medicare requirements, we can arrange a payment plan after your scan.

We offer this service to adults, children and babies. We offer an anaesthetic service to patients who need additional support.

How to access this service

You will need a referral from a specialist or GP to have an MRI. You or your doctor can send us your referral by:

  • Email: Medical.Imaging@act.gov.au
  • Fax: (02) 5124 3824
  • Mail: MRI Department, Medical Imaging, Canberra Hospital. Yamba Drive Garran ACT 2605
  • You can hand deliver your referral to the Medical Imaging reception.

We will contact you to book your scan once we have received your referral.

If you are an inpatient or a patient in the emergency department, your treating doctor will arrange for you to access this service.

The MRI Department is open from 7:15am to 6pm, Monday to Friday and 8am to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday. We are not open on Public Holidays.

If you need to contact us, our phone number is (02) 5124 2527.

What to expect

We will phone you to discuss your specific scan including anything you need to do to prepare for the scan.

This phone call is also your opportunity for us to check:

  • whether you have any metal inside your body
  • if you have had any operations
  • if you require help with walking, sitting or moving onto a table
  • if you are claustrophobic.

It is also a good opportunity for you to ask us any questions.

You will need to fill out an MRI Procedure screening form prior to your appointment. This form is to ensure you do not have any implants inside you that are unsafe.

When you arrive for your scan, one of our Radiographers or nurses will explain the scan to you and ask you a few questions about your medical history.

You may need to be given a needle so we can give you contrast into your veins during the scan; this depends on the type of scan you require.

Our scans can take a long time and we will make you as comfortable as possible.

You will need to lie completely flat on your back for the scan. Some scans require you to be on your side or face down.

Our scans are noisy, and you will be given earplugs or headphones to help reduce the noise.

We have lifting equipment for patients who use a wheelchair.

What to bring to your appointment

  • Medicare card
  • Veterans Affairs card (if you have one)
  • Medicines you need to take while you are here
  • List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
  • Previous x-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports

Where we’re located

Medical Imaging, Building 12, Level 2, Canberra Hospital.

From the main entrance, head to Building 1, go past the lifts and follow the Blue Line on the floor to the Medical Imaging Reception. The MRI reception is then at the end of the green line.

We have directions to Canberra Hospital.

Information for referrers

Please see Community HealthPathways for detailed referral criteria and information.

Referrals are accepted by: