Calderdale Royal Hospital first in NHS to use Disney-themed technology during MRI scans
A new Disney-themed MRI experience designed to reduce anxiety for children is being rolled out to hospitals worldwide - with the first one in the UK in West Yorkshire
Last updated 28th May 2026
A new Disney-themed MRI experience designed to reduce anxiety for children is being rolled out to hospitals worldwide.
The Philips technology transforms scanner rooms into colourful, immersive spaces, which clinicians say help more children complete scans without needing a general anaesthetic.
We can reveal exclusively that Calderdale Royal Hospital in Halifax is the first NHS hospital in the UK to get it.
Around 180,000 children in the UK have an MRI scan each year – a procedure that can be frightening and traumatic.
About one-in-three (80,000) end up needing a general anaesthetic to get through it.
It comes at no extra cost to the NHS and it's being rolled out after early evidence shows 'promising results'.
Data from Calderdale found that distraction techniques, including the Disney-themed experience – enabled 97% of children aged 10 and under to successfully complete their scans.
Clinicians at the hospital also report strong results in practice, with one radiologist noting: “We have huge success with this and our general anaesthetic rate has come right down.”
7-year-old patient Esme has used the technology:
"It felt weird to start with but was kinda fun though because I got to watch Disney.
"I just saw the top of the scanner and there was a mirror, so I could watch Disney."
It's not just about improving the experience for children. Esme's mum Lauren Chapman said it will help to reduce anxiety for children and parents alike:
"I was nervous before we came because I've had one before and I thought if she's anything like me, she might panic a little bit. But having the choice to watch Disney really helped her.
"The staff were lovely and made her feel relaxed so when she got in there and knew she could watch the screen, she was absolutely fine."
Alison Lord is a MRI radiographer and says it's made a huge difference:
"Prior to having the experience, the majority of children would find it really challenging to get through an MRI scan and keep still enough to give a diagnostic image.
"Whereas now, pretty much every child seems to managed to have a scan and it has really reduced the need to give general aesthetic to children."