Private MRI Scans for Teenagers and Pre-Teens
Finding an MRI appointment for a child or teenager can be difficult. New Horizons Imaging provides private MRI scanning for younger patients where clinically appropriate, with a calm environment, supportive care and clear guidance for families. All scans for patients under 18 require a referral from a registered healthcare professional — we are unable to accept self-referrals or parental requests for under-18s.
Patients under 18: referral required
Under UK clinical governance standards, we cannot accept self-referrals or parental requests for patients under the age of 18. All paediatric scans must be requested by a registered healthcare professional — for example a GP, consultant, specialist physiotherapist or advanced nurse practitioner — who has evaluated the patient and remains responsible for their care.
How to book for a child or young person (under 18)
- Obtain a referral Ask your GP, specialist or healthcare practitioner to issue a signed private MRI request letter.
- Upload your referral Select “Yes, I have a referral letter to upload” during online booking and attach the document at checkout.
- Review & confirmation Our clinical team will verify the referral details and confirm your appointment.
Not sure how to get a referral? Call us on 0113 873 1310 and our team will explain the options.
Private MRI for younger patients at New Horizons Imaging
New Horizons Imaging is able to welcome teenage and pre-teen patients for private MRI scans where clinically appropriate and on receipt of a referral from a registered healthcare professional.
We are registered to provide paediatric MRI services. Rather than applying a single fixed age threshold, suitability depends on clinical screening and whether the child or young person can remain still enough for clear, diagnostic-quality images to be obtained.
Fast access to private MRI for younger patients
Private MRI scanning can provide families with a quicker route to diagnostic imaging when a young person is experiencing pain, injury or ongoing symptoms. Once a clinician referral is in place, appointments are often available within days, subject to appropriate screening and clinical suitability.
Why staying still matters during an MRI scan
MRI scanning relies on clear, detailed images. Movement during the examination can reduce image quality and may mean that part of the scan needs to be repeated.
The key practical requirement
A child or young person needs to be able to remain still for the required part of the examination. This is one of the main factors considered when assessing suitability for a private MRI scan.
A calm, supportive MRI experience for younger patients
Having an MRI scan can feel unfamiliar or daunting, particularly for younger patients who have never had one before.
Our team will explain the process clearly, help your child understand what to expect and support them throughout the appointment. The aim is to create a calm, patient-focused experience from arrival through to completion of the scan.
View our MRI services and pricingWhen is a child or teenager suitable for a private MRI scan?
Suitability depends on the scan being requested, the referring clinician’s request, clinical screening and whether the young person can remain still for the required imaging sequences.
In many examinations, patients may enter the scanner feet first depending on the area being scanned. For some younger patients, this can make the experience feel less enclosed.
If you are unsure whether your child is likely to manage the scan, our team can talk you through what to expect before your clinician sends the referral.
“We don’t have a fixed age limit for MRI as we are registered to do paediatric scanning as well. The practical consideration is the ability of the child to stay still during the scan.”
Wayne, Director of New Horizons Imaging
Please note: every scan for a patient under 18 must be requested by a registered healthcare professional. Age and the ability to stay still determine suitability, but a clinician referral is always required.
Fast access to MRI when families need answers
Private MRI scanning can help provide quicker access to detailed imaging, giving families and healthcare professionals more information when investigating pain, injury or ongoing symptoms.
Teenage & pre-teen patients
Private MRI scans are available for younger patients where clinically appropriate, on referral from a GP, consultant, physiotherapist or nurse practitioner.
Clinician referrals accepted
We work with GPs, consultants, specialist physiotherapists and advanced nurse practitioners who need timely imaging for their younger patients.
Appointment availability
Same-day or short-notice appointments may be available once a referral is received, subject to capacity and suitability.
Caring, supportive team
Clear explanations and support before, during and after the appointment.
Comfortable facilities
Private MRI appointments in a patient-focused environment at Headingley Stadium in Leeds.
Free stadium parking
Convenient on-site parking helps make family appointments easier to manage.
Booking a private MRI scan for your child
If your child or teenager needs an MRI scan and you are finding it difficult to access an appropriate appointment, New Horizons Imaging may be able to help.
The first step is to ask your GP, consultant, specialist physiotherapist or advanced nurse practitioner for a signed private MRI request letter. Once you have the referral, you can book online and upload it during checkout, or contact our team first if you would like to discuss suitability or what to expect during the appointment.
How to get a referral for an under-18Need help arranging a private MRI for your child or teenager?
Have a clinician referral ready? Book online and upload it at checkout. Not sure where to start? Speak to the New Horizons Imaging team about obtaining a referral, suitability, appointment availability or which MRI scan may be appropriate.