Megan Riley, 25, from Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire, is a Sales Development professional for a London FinTech firm and a former member of the Under-18 Great Britain Alpine ski team. Just weeks before she was due to run the London Marathon in April, Megan suffered a serious hip injury caused by the repetitive strain of running. With her charity place at risk and concerned about long-term damage, she turned to Wellsoon private healthcare service from Practice Plus Group for a fast, affordable private MRI scan.
“I am so relieved I had the scan privately when I did. It gave me a clear answer at the right time. The best part of going private was the speed, the reassurance, and knowing I was not risking long-term damage to my hip by waiting.”
Megan Riley, MRI scan patient at Practice Plus Group MSK and Diagnostics, Buckinghamshire
Commenting on her experience, Megan says: “Around eight or so weeks ago, I injured my hip quite badly during marathon training. The pain was intense and I could barely walk. I I knew I needed answers quickly.
“I went to see my physio team who I still keep in touch with from my time on the GB Alpine ski team to try to get some answers. The physio said he couldn’t make an informed decision on whether I could run the marathon without seeing an MRI scan. That made it clear I had to get one as soon as possible.
“I spoke to my GP, but he said I wouldn’t be referred for an MRI until I’d had other investigations. I didn’t have time to wait. I was fundraising, had a place in the London Marathon, and most importantly, needed to know if running would cause further damage to my hip long-term.
“I already knew about Practice Plus Group Diagnostics Centre in Buckinghamshire from my ski racing days, so I trusted them completely. I got in touch with their Wellsoon private healthcare service and spoke to Cath, who was amazing. She booked me in within three days for a scan.
“The MRI cost £330, which I thought was very reasonable compared to other providers. It gave me peace of mind when I needed it most. I honestly wouldn’t have been able to get a scan fast enough through the NHS. Referral through my private health insurer wouldn’t have been swift enough either as I’d have had to first see a consultant and then be referred for an MRI. With Wellsoon I was able to book straight in for the scan. It was very simple.
“I spoke to my GP, but he said I wouldn’t be referred for an MRI until I’d had other investigations. I didn’t have time to wait…I already knew about Practice Plus Group Diagnostics Centre from my ski racing days, so I trusted them completely.”
Megan Riley, MRI scan patient at Practice Plus Group MSK and Diagnostics, Buckinghamshire
“The results showed damage to my femoral neck. It wasn’t the result I wanted, but it meant I could make a safe, informed decision about the marathon. Based on the results I knew not to push through and make things worse.
“Afterwards, I went back to my GP thinking I’d helped by getting the scan privately. But I was told the NHS would still want to carry out their own investigations. It felt really counterproductive and added more delays.
“Nine weeks after first seeing my GP, I’ve only just been referred to a surgeon, and he now wants more tests and another MRI — but not for another two months. I’m still on crutches and feeling very frustrated.
“For now, I’m seeing what the NHS can offer but I also have private medical insurance which I might explore if I’m kept waiting for treatment. I am so relieved I had the scan privately when I did. It gave me a clear answer at the right time. The best part of going private was the speed, the reassurance, and knowing I was not risking long-term damage to my hip by waiting.”
