The North East Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (CMR) Imaging group was founded in 2013 by seven imaging consultants across the north east region of England with a special interest in cardiac MRI. Initially we planned regular educational meetings to be held around the region to discuss challenging and interesting cases, and to provide formal education in this rapidly emerging field. We were keen to establish a support and governance network across the region. These meetings have provided a forum for us to meet regularly, exchange ideas and learn from our combined expertise.

Regionally, Cardiac MR is undertaken in both tertiary centres at The Freeman Hospital / Royal Victoria Hospital, and James Cook University Hospital, in addition to established district general services in Darlington Memorial Hospital, and across Northumbria Healthcare hospitals with scanners at North Tyneside General, Wansbeck, and the Specialist Emergency Care Hospital at Cramlington. North Tees have developed a service using a 3T magnet. The Friarage Hospital in Northallerton is now scanning regularly as part of the South Tees network, and there are plans to install a cardiac capable scanner in Hartlepool Hospital to augment the North Tees area.