The NHS waiting list is real — and it’s growing
If you’ve ever been referred for an MRI scan through your GP, you already know the anxiety that follows: weeks of waiting, uncertain timelines, and the creeping worry that something is being missed. In Scotland, average diagnostic imaging wait times regularly exceed 12 weeks — and for many patients, that uncertainty is harder to bear than the symptoms themselves.
At UNIRAD Imaging Glasgow, we built our service specifically to close that gap.
What private MRI actually means
Private MRI doesn’t mean experimental. It means the same hospital-grade technology, the same qualified consultant radiologists — without the queue.
At UNIRAD, you can self-refer. That means no GP appointment, no referral letter, no gatekeeping. You book online, come in at a time that suits you, and receive a full radiologist report within 72 hours.
Scans we offer include:
- Brain and head MRI (headaches, cognitive concerns, neurological symptoms)
- Spine and joint MRI (back pain, sports injuries, chronic joint issues)
- Full body MRI (preventative screening, peace of mind)
- Abdominal and pelvic MRI (digestive, reproductive, and urinary concerns)
Is it worth the cost?
This is the question we hear most often. Our scans start from £299 — a figure that gives many people pause. But consider what that buys: clarity. In most cases, an MRI either confirms something that needs treatment (getting you on the right path sooner) or rules out serious causes (giving you the peace of mind to stop worrying). Both outcomes have real value.
For context: the average cost of a missed or delayed diagnosis, measured in additional treatment, time off work, and mental health impact, is significantly higher.
Who should consider a private MRI?
You don’t need to be seriously ill to benefit from a scan. Consider booking if:
- You’ve been waiting more than 6 weeks for an NHS referral
- You have symptoms your GP has noted but not yet investigated
- You’re over 40 and want a proactive baseline health snapshot
- You have a family history of cancer, cardiovascular disease, or neurological conditions
- You’re an athlete dealing with a persistent injury that isn’t resolving
No referral. No wait. No uncertainty.
Our clinic is located at 22 Loanbank Quadrant, Glasgow G51 3HZ, with easy access by car and public transport. Same-week appointments are usually available.
Book your scan at unirad.co.uk/appointment or call 0141 846 9116.



