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Newcastle Clinic reports boost in referrals

A private clinic in Newcastle has received a record number of patient referrals in the past 12 months – but has warned that the increase could point towards a worrying trend for North East waistlines.

Newcastle Clinic in Jesmond specialises in MRI scans for obese and claustrophobic patients and has reported another annual increase in patient referrals.

The clinic has the North East’s only open-sided MRI scanner, designed to be suitable for people who cannot use a normal MRI scanner, and it accepts referrals for private and NHS patients from across the region.

Managing director Shaun Fryer says business is booming. Between September 2013 and the end of August 2014, Newcastle Clinic welcomed 2,846 referred patients, approximately 40 per cent of whom were obese. It represents an overall increase in referrals of 30 per cent on the previous 12 months.

This follows news earlier in 2014 that the North East had the highest primary admission rate in the country for obesity-related health problems, at 73 per 100,000 population – treble the national average.

“The last 12 months have been great for Newcastle Clinic and we were delighted to accept more referrals over this period than at any other point since we were established,” Fryer said.

“There has been a noticeable increase in the number of referrals of obese patients and it perhaps does point to some worrying trends amongst the population of the North East.

“The opening of a traditional MRI scanner is just 60cm, which instantly precludes a lot of people from being able to use them – ours is open-sided so we can offer an MRI scan to almost anybody.”

Fryer said increased pressure on NHS Trusts has also led to an increase in referrals.

He added: “NHS trusts are obliged to carry out diagnostic checks within six weeks of a patient’s first consultation, so if there is a backlog then we are frequently asked to help out.

“We are also broadening our net and looking for links with universities and sports clubs in the area who may be looking for MRI scans without the waiting times associated with the NHS.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Newcastle Clinic .