Home / Private MRI scan Manchester
Private MRI scan in Manchester
A 3T Siemens MRI at our Stockport centre, deliberately small, but with the same clinical field strength we run in London and Surrey.
Prime Health Stockport is a private diagnostic imaging centre at 144A Dialstone Lane, Stockport SK2 6AP. We run a 3T Siemens MAGNETOM Skyra MRI scanner, the same field strength as our London and Surrey centres, with consultant radiologist reporting on every scan. No referral is required. On-site parking, personal service, and everything you need from an MRI without the London logistics.
Why patients across Greater Manchester choose Stockport
Private diagnostic imaging in Manchester tends to come in two shapes: the big hospital groups, and small independent scanning services. Prime Health Stockport is deliberately the second, small, personal, and everything good about it follows from that.
- The scanner is not small. A 3T Siemens MAGNETOM Skyra, the same field strength we run in London and Surrey. The images are the equal of anything produced by a much larger department.
- The service is small. You are met by the person who took your booking. You are scanned by a radiographer with the time to tell you what is happening and why. If you have a question afterwards, you ask the person standing in front of you rather than a switchboard.
- Physiotherapy and sports medicine on site. Where a scan finds something an ultrasound-guided injection or a course of physio would help, the injection and the rehabilitation that follows can both happen at the same centre, planned by clinicians who have seen the same images.
- Consultant radiologist reporting. Every scan, every time.
- No congestion, no city-centre parking hassle. Straightforward to reach from the surrounding South Manchester and Cheshire suburbs.
What MRI is good for
MRI uses a strong magnetic field rather than radiation, which makes it the first choice for a wide range of clinical questions:
- Joints and soft tissue, knees, shoulders, hips, ankles, wrists and small joints.
- Spine and disc problems, including sciatica work-up.
- Brain and neurological imaging.
- Abdominal and pelvic organs.
- Sports injuries where you want to understand exactly what is going on before rehab.
Because there is no radiation, MRI does not need a referral and can be repeated safely. If you are not sure which scan you need, call us and we will help you decide.
What happens on the day
You arrive at Dialstone Lane, park on site and check in with our reception team. Our staff completes the safety questionnaire (implants, previous surgery, pacemaker, and so on) and shows you to a private changing area. The scan itself typically takes 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the area being examined. You can bring someone with you for most scans.
A consultant radiologist reports the images within a short turnaround. Reports reach your referring clinician and, with your consent, your own GP, so your care continues joined up.
From diagnosis to treatment, at the same centre
Because Stockport is compact and complete, the pathway from scan to treatment is often short. A shoulder or knee finding that would benefit from an ultrasound-guided injection can be arranged with the consultant radiologist here. A course of physiotherapy planned around your imaging is on site. Where an orthopaedic opinion is the right next step, we work with a local network of consultants and can arrange the onward referral.
See our joint, bone and muscle pathway for how the end-to-end works.
Cost of a private MRI in Manchester
Prices depend on the body part being examined and whether contrast is needed. Because we set prices at each centre, the current Stockport price list is on the Stockport centre page. For a specific quote for your scan, call us on 0330 025 2100.
Self-pay and private medical insurance both accepted. Insured patients: bring your policy number and pre-authorisation, and we bill the insurer directly.
Getting to us from across Greater Manchester
By car: from central Manchester, follow the A6 south (about 25 minutes) or the M60 to junction 25 (about 15 minutes). From Cheadle, Bramhall, Hazel Grove or Wilmslow it is a short local drive. On-site parking directly outside.
By train: Stockport station (regular services from Manchester Piccadilly, about 8 minutes), the centre is a short taxi or bus from the station.
By tram / bus: bus services run along Dialstone Lane and the surrounding roads; a Stagecoach map on the day of your visit will get you there.
Frequently asked questions
Questions patients most often ask us about a private MRI in Manchester.
Where in Manchester is your MRI scanner?
Our Manchester MRI centre is at 144A Dialstone Lane, Stockport SK2 6AP, a short drive from central Stockport, Cheadle, Bramhall, Hazel Grove and Wilmslow, and easy to reach from junctions off the M60 and A6.
What kind of scanner do you use at Stockport?
The Stockport centre runs a 3T Siemens MAGNETOM Skyra MRI scanner, the same field strength we use at our London (Harley Street) and Surrey (Weybridge) centres. 3T gives sharper detail on musculoskeletal, neurological and body imaging.
Do I need a referral for an MRI in Manchester?
No, MRI does not use ionising radiation, so it does not need to be requested by an entitled referrer by law. Many of our patients self-refer. If you would prefer a clinician to work out which scan is right first, our team can advise.
How much does a private MRI cost in Manchester?
Prices depend on the body part being scanned and whether contrast is needed. The current Stockport price list is on the centre page. Call us on 0330 025 2100 for a specific quote before booking.
How quickly can I be seen for an MRI?
The centre is open Monday to Friday from 7:30am to 7pm, and we can often offer an appointment within a few days, sometimes the same week. For urgent requests, call us directly.
Who reports the scan?
A consultant radiologist reports every MRI at Prime Health. Reports are returned efficiently and, with your consent, shared with your referring clinician and your own GP so your onward care is joined up.
Is there parking at the Stockport centre?
Yes, parking is available on site. Because the centre is deliberately small, arriving five minutes early is usually all you need.
Can you do physiotherapy or a guided injection if the scan finds something?
Yes. Stockport is compact but complete, physiotherapy and sports medicine are on site, and where a scan finds something an ultrasound-guided injection would help, that can be arranged at the same centre. See our joint, bone and muscle pathway for how the end-to-end works.
What if I have claustrophobia?
Please tell us at booking. The scanner is a modern wide-bore 3T which is more comfortable than older machines, and our radiographers will walk you through what to expect and can pause the scan if you need it.
Do you take insurance?
Yes. Bring your policy number and pre-authorisation and we will bill your insurer directly. Anything outside your policy, excesses, shortfalls, or services not covered, remains payable by you.
Related at Prime Health Stockport
Other things you might want at the same visit.
Stockport centre
Address, opening hours, full price list, on-site services, consultants and clinics at our Manchester centre.
Joint, bone and muscle
Scan, specialist plan and treatment at the same centre, coordinated end to end.
Ultrasound-guided injections
Precise, image-guided joint and soft-tissue injections by a consultant, on site at Stockport.
Consultants at Stockport
The consultants and clinicians who see patients at our Manchester centre.