Meet the MRI team

Joanne Adlam is the MRI Lead Radiographer and comes to the Western Isles with more than 30 years' experience in MRI. Her career in MRI began at the Wessex Neurological Centre in Southampton in the 1990s, during the relatively early days of MRI's clinical use.

“I was fortunate to have been introduced to MRI at a very early stage of its clinical use, and at such a centre of excellence."

Jo later returned to her native New Zealand, taking with her a strong foundation in MRI. She went on to complete a Master's Degree in MRI through the University of Sydney, graduating in 2004.

During her career in New Zealand, Jo played a key role in establishing a number of MRI services. Most notably, she led the MRI team in her hometown of Rotorua for more than 12 years.

“The opportunity to help establish the MRI service here in the Western Isles is a wonderful chance to give something back to the UK, where my own MRI journey began all those years ago. It is very special to be part of a team building a completely new service, and ultimately to see patients benefit from having MRI available much closer to home."

Chidiuso Maureen Ifenna-Muokanne is the specialist cross-sectional imaging radiographer with more than eight years' experience across MRI, CT and X-ray.

Maureen began her career in Nigeria, where MRI formed part of her work within a busy imaging department, before relocating to Scotland and joining the Radiology team at Western Isles Hospital.

When plans for a local MRI service were announced, Maureen was keen to be part of it. She has since completed a Postgraduate Certificate in MRI with City St George's, University of London, alongside hands-on clinical training at Raigmore Hospital in Inverness.

“When I learned there were plans to bring an MRI scanner to the island, I was immediately excited. MRI has always been something I truly loved doing, and the chance to return to it felt like coming home. I am delighted to be part of the team bringing this service to our local community. Knowing that more islanders will be able to have their scans closer to home makes it particularly special."

Away from work, Maureen enjoys spending time with family and friends and particularly values the pace of life and strong sense of community in the islands.

Kes Sinfield-Newman‘s route into radiography began as a Clinical Assistant in Southampton around six years ago. Working alongside radiographers inspired Kes to pursue the profession herself, and she successfully secured a place on a Radiography Degree Apprenticeship.

During her studies she continued working clinically in MRI and later began cross-training in CT. Kes heard about the opportunity in the Western Isles through a former colleague and visited the islands in February.

“I absolutely fell in love with the beautiful scenery, the community and the opportunity to be involved in something completely new. Moving to the Western Isles has been a big change, but everyone has been incredibly welcoming. I am extremely excited to be part of the MRI team and to help establish this new service for the islands."