Enter and view: Oxford Magnetic Resonance Imaging at the John Radcliffe Hospital

Healthwatch Oxfordshire made an Enter and View visit to Oxford Magnetic Resonance Imaging (OMRI) department at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford in April 2026. This visit was part of a programme of visits to a range of health and care services within Oxfordshire.  

During this visit Healthwatch Oxfordshire spoke to four patients, one carer and 17 members of staff.

Key findings

• Signage to the OMRI department from the main hospital entrance was unclear, making the department difficult to find for some patients. 
• The department was clean, bright, spacious and welcoming, with artwork creating a pleasant environment. 
• Patient changing rooms were small and showed signs of a recent water leak, although clinical and waiting areas were clean. 
• No translated information, interpreter service information or hearing loop was available. 
• No CQC report was displayed, and there was limited information about how patients could provide feedback or make complaints. 
• Staff were consistently described as friendly, caring, supportive and reassuring by patients. 
• Patients valued the efficient service and positive atmosphere but were often unaware of formal feedback processes. 
• Parking at the John Radcliffe Hospital remained a significant concern for both patients and staff. 
• Staff felt supported in their training and development but highlighted pressures caused by scanner shortages elsewhere and the ongoing impact of a building water leak.

Recommendations

Healthwatch Oxfordshire made the following recommendations for improvements to Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH), which runs the hospital:

• Review and improve signage from the hospital main entrance to the department, and ensure patients are given clear directions prior to their appointment, to avoid patient confusion. 
• Ensure availability of translated materials to provide all patients with access to essential information.
• Provide and display clear information on how people can access the interpreting service.
• Install hearing loops within the unit to enhance accessibility for patients with hearing impairments. 
• Due to the current workload and staffing capacity, additional scanners available at other hospitals, if possible, would help improve service provision and reduce operational pressure. 
• Continue to focus on addressing parking and transport issues to help alleviate patient and staff concerns and to ensure that there are sufficient, accessible spaces available for everyone who needs to visit the hospital. 
• Address the water leaks in the patient changing rooms and staff room.
• The Care Quality Commission report should be displayed as per Health and Social Care Act 2008 regulations.

The report includes a response from the Head of Patient Experience OUH outlining how the trust will respond to the suggested recommendations.