EUROPEAN SCANNING CENTRE Offers open MRI service for patients during the Covid-19 crisis

OPEN MRI SERVICE...

...for patients during COVID crisis European Scanning Centre remain open, available and COVID secure

ith the United Kingdom still adjusting to a ‘new normal’ during the coronavirus pandemic, there is a risk that many might avoid going to W the doctor or seeing a specialist if they have a health concern. Medical investigations remain a valid reason for travel. If you have a health concern, don’t delay your medical care; there are still people here to help, including European Scanning Centre Cardiff. The European Scanning Centre (ESC) is a diagnostic imaging centre, with sites in London and Manchester. They offer a wide range of diagnostic imaging services and pride themselves on their relaxed and patient friendly environment. The centre in Cardiff Gate Business Park, which contains the only Open and Upright MRI Scanner in Wales, has been carefully designed with patient’s comfort in mind. Like many businesses, they have adapted their service to the current climate, ensuring they can safely continue to operate and scan patients who need an MRI prior to medical treatment. Melanie Jones, radiographer and Centre Manager at ESC Cardiff, has worked with MRI for over 30 years and has witnessed how MRI imaging is being used more frequently in the diagnosis of conditions, treatment plans and assessment of how effective treatment has been. There are many reasons why patients are unable to use a conventional ‘tunnel’ scanner – it may be because they are claustrophobic, bariatric or have a physical difficulty. European Scanning Centre’s unique Paramed system is completely open above, behind and in-front of the patient, creating a less intimidating environment and allowing full upright, weight-bearing imaging of the major joints and spine. Patients are able to communicate with the radiographer throughout the examination with the use of an intercom, and the special ‘U’ shape of the machine allows radiographers to see the patient at all times. Patients are also given the option of watching TV or listening to their favourite radio station during the scan - a relaxed and comfortable patient allows more accurate imaging, which in turn leads to a more clinically relevant result. The team at European Scanning Centre are happy discuss how the scanner works and what can be expected on the day of the appointment; and all staff are prepared to deal with any queries or concerns patients may have. Melanie is always on hand to reassure patients. “The health and safety of our patients, colleagues and the public is always our highest priority. There is no

need to be worried to attend for a scan,” she says. “We have taken all necessary precautions to make sure everyone is safe. We are a very small team and ensure contact is minimised. “I wear a gown, mask and gloves and everything is constantly sanitised. Most of our items are single use and we disinfect all the equipment after every patient. “Patients can park right outside the building and we advise to only bring one person with them if needed, so that we can minimise the number of people in the centre. All plants and magazines have been removed from the centre to minimise cross infection, as well as spacing out the chairs in the waiting room to maintain social distancing.” European Scanning Centre also makes sure every patient is well enough for their appointment by asking a series of questions before the booking are made. For example, if a patient has had a cough or has been in contact with someone who has had coronavirus, they have to wait at least two weeks before booking. These extra precautions allow the European Scanning Centre Cardiff to safely continue to offer appointments to patients who need an MRI scan. Melanie is also keen to stress that the centre is not a hospital but a stand-alone clinic, allowing social distancing measures to be enforced. “We are not a hospital and we make sure that all appointments are staggered so patients don’t come in contact with each other,” said Melanie. If you need an MRI scan, it is recommended to seek advice from your doctor as they will be able to refer you to European Scanning Centre. We work with all major private medical insurers and offer competitive pricing for patients wishing to self-fund, with all results returned to your doctor within 48 hours. To find out more about European Scanning Centre, visit europeanscanning.com or call our friendly, helpful team on 0292 073

1654

Talk to Coco

Coco from Talk to Coco shares her experience on becoming her authentic self and being an advocate for mental health and LGBTQ+ communities ell, where to start? I guess there is always the feeling of dread and self-doubt when discovering who you are, especially at the age of 14, like I was. With all the barriers in front of you W WHOLE school had found out I was gay, and people were talking about it. I was never that person; I was popular, a well known liked human, and for the first time I felt at the opposite end - I felt so victimised and alone, that it was enough to make me not attend high school for at least 12 days. I felt depressed and even suicidal; I knew something had to give. one persons’ story can educate and give understanding for others and to just have people around you that you can relate to and not feel so alone; It’s a super special bond for sure. So, my advice to anyone on their pathway of ‘coming out’, would be to take your time, it isn’t a race, just make sure it works for you, your journey and circumstances. As that society creates and the worry of how This was the major turning point for myself. long as you’ve given yourself enough time the world may see you - this was probably At 14 years old I had to face my fears – the to pursue your true self and can be proud the hardest part of coming out for myself. fear of accepting myself - and then, nobody and open about who you are. Remember, People always say to me, “how did you could ever make me feel worthless again you’re not alone, and never will be even if come out?” (I don’t like to use this term as for being myself. Now, 14 years later nearly it can feel like that at times. For the people I don’t believe LGBTQ people should have 30 years old – I can truly say I love who I that desperately inside want to scream from to come out as, heterosexual people don’t?). am, every part of me. Through my journey the rooftops, ‘I’m gay’, hold tight, don’t put In some ways, my journey of saying out of self-acceptance, I have learnt more about pressure on yourself. Your time will come loud ‘I’m gay’, was a walk in the park and myself than I knew and not to conform to when you’re ready for that. I was extremely lucky regarding my family accepting me. One day, my mum texted me and was telling me how as a mother she the ‘social norms’ society says we should be, but instead to be who I am 100% and be proud. Therefore, if you find keeping who you are locked away is effecting your mind open up! Even if it’s just to one person, it will help knew I was gay and that she had known for The LGBTQ community has a variety of and you will have someone to talk to and years and, the whole family was accepting people with many similarities and many understand the true you. + supporting me, no matter what. However, differences, which is how it should be. We I didn’t quite get the same loving, happy, are able to educate and help each other out, Being true to yourself gives freedom, a positive reaction from the ‘school sector’ whether that be how we identify, to who freedom that nobody controls but you! let’s say. I’ll never forget the moment my we love, and how there isn’t one box for us For more advice, follow @talktococo on friend texted me letting me know that the all to fit into, and that’s ok. For instance, Instagram.

CULTURE & LIFESTYLE