Updated 28 September 2026
Hartlepool MRI Unit is located in a purpose built building adjoining the University Hospital of Hartlepool radiology department. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a type of scan that uses strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the inside of the body. MRI services at Hartlepool have been provided by Alliance Medical Limited (AML) since December 2001.
Updated 11 June 2026
Date of assessment 8 July 2026
We undertook an unannounced inspection, which means that staff did not know that we were coming. Two inspectors, and a specialist advisor with expertise in MRI carried out the inspection. The reason for the inspection was an aged rating. The service was last inspected in May 2019 and was rated good. The service remained rated good at this inspection.
The service operated seven days per week between the hours of 8am – 8pm and provided MRI scan examinations to the NHS and clinical commissioning groups and a small number of private patients. The service provided a wide range of routine and complex MRI scans, including liver, cervical, endometrial and breast imaging. A specialist cardiac scanning service was also provided on one day per week.
The service provided scans for children from the age of 7, young people and adults. Approximately 97% of scans provided were for NHS patients, and 3% were for private patients.
The unit is registered with the CQC to undertake the regulated activity of diagnostic and screening services.
Updated 9 August 2019
The service provided at this location was diagnostic and screening procedures. We rated this core service as good overall.
There were systems to monitor safety, patient outcomes and patient experience.
Appropriate, nationally referenced guidelines were used in the delivery of services including those for the control of radiation.
Staff were caring, friendly and professional.
The service was sufficiently responsive to make reasonable adjustments for patients with disabilities or other needs
Risk, governance and operational performance was well managed. There was a cohesive and visible leadership team who were committed to developing clinically-led, highly responsive services.
There was a culture of improvement and safety was a priority for this service and it was safe, effective, caring, responsive and well-led.
However,
Not all clinical staff had received Safeguarding Adults level two training, which was not in line with the intercollegiate guidance document (2018).