For Patients — How to Book a Scan | Bristol Medical Imaging Partners

Your journey

From referral to report — step by step

1

Get a referral from your doctor

You need to be referred to us by your GP or medical specialist. Speak to your GP about your symptoms. If you are already under a specialist (e.g. a gynaecologist or urologist), they can also refer you. A referral ensures that the right type of scan is ordered for your clinical needs. We will allocate you to the appropriate Consultant Radiologist.

2

Contact Spire or Nuffield Hospital Bristol to book your scan

Call your chosen hospital — Spire Bristol (0117 980 4097) or Nuffield Bristol (0117 906 4878), or send us a message via our contact form. They will confirm they have received your doctor's referral and find you an appointment — usually within a few days.

3

Receive your preparation instructions

The hospital will send you written instructions tailored to your specific scan — including any fasting requirements, preparation (for bowel scans), and what to bring. Please read these carefully and contact us if you have any questions before your appointment.

4

Attend your scan

Arrive at the reception of Spire or Nuffield Bristol 15 minutes before your appointment. Please bring your referral letter, any previous imaging or reports. Staff will direct you to the radiology department.

5

Receive your report

Your scan images are reviewed and reported by a named Consultant Radiologist. Written reports are typically produced within 24–48 hours and sent securely to your referring doctor. The report will clearly describe the findings and any recommendations.

What to bring

On the day

✓Your referral letter from your GP or specialist
✓Previous imaging or reports — CDs, printed reports or digital copies of any prior scans
✓A list of your current medications — particularly blood thinners, metformin and allergy history
✓Comfortable, loose clothing without metal (zips, underwired bras) for MRI scans
✓Arrive 15 minutes early to allow time for paperwork and preparation

MRI patients: Please disclose any metal implants, pacemakers, neurostimulators or cochlear implants when booking — not just on the day. Some implants require advance compatibility checks.

Frequently asked questions

Patient FAQs

Yes — a referral from your GP or a specialist is always required before we can accept a booking. We are not able to accept self-referrals from patients. A referral ensures the right type of scan is requested and that the results can be interpreted alongside your medical history. Please speak to your GP or specialist to obtain a referral.

We aim to offer appointments within a few days of receiving a referral in most cases. Appointment availability varies by scan type and time of year. Contact us to check current availability — we will always try to accommodate urgent referrals as quickly as possible.

Written reports are typically produced within 24–48 hours of your scan. The report is sent to your referring doctor and, with your consent, directly to you. If your referring doctor needs to discuss the results with you, they will contact you separately. If you have any concerns about a delay in receiving your report, please contact us.

Yes, you are welcome to bring a companion. They can wait in the hospital's waiting area. In some circumstances — for example, if you feel anxious — it may be possible for a companion to accompany you into the scan room. Please let us know at the time of booking so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Please let us know as soon as possible if you need to cancel or rearrange your appointment. We ask for at least 48 hours notice where possible, so that the appointment slot can be offered to another patient. Late cancellation charges may apply in some circumstances.

Yes, with your consent. The report will be sent to your referring doctor — whether that is your NHS GP, a private specialist, or another clinician. You will also receive a copy of your report. We follow strict data protection standards and will not share your information with any other party without your explicit consent.

Prices vary depending on the type of scan. Your chosen hospital, Spire or Nuffield in Bristol, can give you details of their charges and explain what to do if you have medical insurance already or if you need to self-pay.

Information for patients