Logan Keeley (12), from Lincoln, recently successfully underwent an MRI scan at Lincoln Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC), thanks to an innovative approach that uses play therapy involving a mini ‘kitten’ scanner and a digital app, which can be accessed from home.
For children like Logan, it has transformed the way they can access services, avoiding the worry of a general anaesthetic and a hospital stay as they have the diagnostic scans they need as part of their ongoing care.
Before his scan, Logan, who is profoundly deaf and autistic, spent time with play leader Sandy Crook to help him to prepare, before being introduced to the MRI team who obtained his MRI scan.
Logan’s mum Becky said: “It’s a big relief to know that Logan won’t have to undergo another general anaesthetic and that I won’t have to go through signing that piece of paper to put him to sleep again.
“It’s also a relief that this service exists and we don’t feel like we’re having to go through this on our own. Sandy is there to help keep him calm, busy and relaxed. It’s nice to know that he has someone there who understands what he wants and needs.”
The Philips ‘kitten’ scanner and app add to the ambient experience, which was first introduced at Grantham and District Hospital in 2023. This proved so successful that two more Philips ‘kitten’ scanners have been installed at Lincoln and Skegness CDCs, funded by the United Lincolnshire Hospitals Charity.
Prior to 2023, children were more likely to be given a general anaesthetic to have their MRI scan. Fast forward to 2026, and 96% of children using the play therapy service have been able to complete their scans successfully without sedation during an outpatient appointment.
It has also helped to reduce the waiting time for children still needing a scan with a general anaesthetic from approximately six months to two weeks, due to fewer general anaesthetics needing to take place.
Sandy has been involved in the initiative since it began, working in partnership with the MRI team. She explained: “An MRI scan can feel a little intimidating, especially to our youngest patients, as the scanner is large and very loud while the scan is taking place. By dedicating some time to helping them to adjust beforehand, by watching some videos, talking about what’s going to happen, playing with the app and using the kitten scanner if they want to, we know that we can make them feel more at ease and ready for our MRI radiographers to capture the images that they need.
“The results of this service have been fantastic and we’re incredibly proud to say that we’ve now helped 500 children in Lincolnshire. Not having an anaesthetic is much better for the children, and there are wider benefits to our health system by avoiding unnecessary hospital stays and the costs associated with that care.”
Logan didn’t use the ‘kitten’ scanner during his visit, which is often used by younger patients, but he did use the interactive app with support from Sandy.
Following his scan, Logan said: “I’ve had scans before and this one is probably the best one I’ve ever had. I enjoyed being able to watch a movie while I was having it.”
Watch a video of Logan’s visit: