New MRI Team ready to transform diagnostic services in the Western Isles

Patients across the Western Isles will soon benefit from faster access to vital diagnostic imaging closer to home as NHS Western Isles prepares to launch its new MRI service on 5 October 2026.

The introduction of MRI scanning marks a major milestone for healthcare in the islands, reducing the need for many patients to travel to the mainland for investigations and enabling earlier diagnosis and treatment. The new service has been made possible through significant investment in facilities, equipment and workforce, including the recruitment of a dedicated MRI team. The service will provide high-quality diagnostic imaging locally, helping to improve patient experience while supporting more care to be delivered closer to home.

Leading the service is Joanne Adlam, MRI Lead Radiographer, supported by MRI Radiographers Chidiuso Maureen Ifenna-Muokanne and Kes Sinfield-Newman. Together, they bring extensive experience in MRI and diagnostic imaging and have been working to prepare for the introduction of the new service.

Gordon Jamieson, Chief Executive of NHS Western Isles, said: “The introduction of MRI scanning is one of the most significant developments in healthcare services in the Western Isles in recent years. Having access to MRI closer to home will make a real difference for patients and families by reducing travel and improving access to vital diagnostic services.

“This milestone reflects significant planning, investment and partnership working, and I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to bringing the service to this stage. We are particularly pleased to welcome our dedicated MRI team, whose expertise and commitment will help ensure the service delivers lasting benefits for our communities."

Meet Jo: MRI Lead Radiographer

Joanne Adlam 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.

Jo states: “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.

Jo added: “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.”

Meet Maureen: MRI Radiographer

Chidiuso Maureen Ifenna-Muokanne is a 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.

She shares: “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.

Meet Kes: MRI Radiographer

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.

She states: “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.”

The MRI service will become operational on 5 October 2026, providing local access to advanced diagnostic imaging for patients throughout the Western Isles.