MRI waiting times in Blackburn
Blackburn is located in Lancashire, England. Residents of Blackburn who are referred for an MRI scan typically receive their imaging through EAST LANCASHIRE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST.
About this data
MRI waiting time figures on this page are published at NHS trust level, not individual hospitals. For Blackburn, MRI services are provided by EAST LANCASHIRE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST, and the figures shown reflect all MRI patients waiting within this trust.
These figures do not show individual hospital-site waiting times and cannot predict how long a specific patient will wait.
Current MRI waiting times
| Total patients waiting for MRI | 2,278 |
|---|---|
| Patients waiting over 6 weeks | 1 |
| Percentage waiting over 6 weeks | 0% |
| Patients waiting 13 weeks or more | 0 |
| Reporting period | November 2025 |
| NHS trust | EAST LANCASHIRE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST |
Summary: Based on published NHS trust-level data, most patients are waiting under 6 weeks for an MRI.
What this means for patients in Blackburn
The figures above show how many patients are currently waiting for an MRI scan at EAST LANCASHIRE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST. These are threshold-based counts, showing the number of patients in different waiting bands at the end of the reporting period.
MRI waiting times can vary depending on local demand, available scanner capacity, and staffing. Your individual wait may be shorter or longer than these figures suggest, depending on the clinical urgency of your referral.
Urgent referrals (for example, those where cancer is suspected) are prioritised and typically seen faster than routine referrals. If you have concerns about your wait, contact your GP or the hospital's booking team.
How MRI referrals work for residents of Blackburn
MRI scans are typically arranged following a referral from your GP or a hospital consultant. Once referred, you will be added to the waiting list at EAST LANCASHIRE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST (or another provider if you exercise patient choice).
The trust may offer MRI appointments at different hospital sites within their area. Depending on availability, you may be offered an appointment at a location that is not your nearest hospital. This is sometimes done to reduce waiting times.
If you have specific requirements or constraints (mobility, transport, time of day), discuss these with the booking team when arranging your appointment.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the MRI waiting time in Blackburn?
MRI waiting times in Blackburn depend on the current demand at EAST LANCASHIRE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST. The data shown on this page reflects the number of patients waiting at different time thresholds (under 6 weeks, over 6 weeks, and 13+ weeks) as of November 2025. Exact individual waiting times depend on clinical urgency and appointment availability.
Which NHS trust provides MRI scans for Blackburn?
Residents of Blackburn typically receive MRI scans through EAST LANCASHIRE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST. This trust may operate MRI services at one or more hospital sites in the area.
Do people from Blackburn have to travel for an MRI?
MRI scans for Blackburn residents are provided by EAST LANCASHIRE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST, which may have MRI facilities at multiple hospital sites. Patients may be offered appointments at different locations within the trust area depending on availability.
Why are MRI waits different in nearby towns?
MRI waiting times can vary between towns because different NHS trusts manage their own diagnostic services. Factors include local demand, equipment capacity, staffing levels, and referral volumes. Towns served by the same NHS trust will generally have similar waiting times.
Can patients from Blackburn choose where to have their MRI?
Under NHS patient choice, patients may be able to choose an alternative provider for their MRI scan. Discuss options with your GP or the referring clinician. Wait times at other providers may differ from those at EAST LANCASHIRE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST.
Nearby towns served by EAST LANCASHIRE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST
The following towns are also served by EAST LANCASHIRE HOSPITALS NHS TRUST and may have similar MRI waiting times:
Related pages
Data sources
MRI waiting time data is sourced from the NHS England DM01 Diagnostic Waiting Times and Activity dataset, published monthly under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Data shown is from the November 2025 reporting period.
Important: This page provides general information about MRI waiting times and does not constitute medical advice. Individual waiting times depend on clinical urgency and local factors. Contact your GP or the hospital for advice about your specific situation.
Last updated: January 2026