Imaging (Radiology)

Our radiology department provides the following services:

X-ray examinations
Computerised Tomography (CT; scan uses x-rays and a computer to create detailed images of the inside of the body).
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI; a non-invasive imaging technology that produces three dimensional detailed anatomical images)
Ultrasound
Nuclear Medicine (a specialized area of radiology that uses very small amounts of radioactive materials to examine organ function and structure)
Fluoroscopy (type of medical imaging that shows a continuous X-ray image on a monitor)
Interventional Radiography (minimally invasive, image-guided medical treatments)
Breast Imaging (Mammography)

About radiology

There is no radiation risk from having an ultrasound and MRI, although MRI safety is very important for all MRI scans, and the department will discuss this with you as required.

X-ray, CT, fluoroscopy, interventional radiography and mammography all use ionising radiation in different ways to create x-ray or scan images.

We are all exposed to natural background radiation all the time, coming from the ground, the air, food and outer space. Radiological examinations give patients a small additional dose to this background radiation, the amount depends on what type of examination it is. The only effect to patients from this radiation dose is a very slight increase in the chance of cancer occurring at some point during their lifetime.

All imaging examinations have to be justified by a qualified practitioner to ensure the benefit of the examination outweighs the risk from the dose of radiation.

Radiographers are specially trained to ensure the radiation dose you receive is as low as possible, and work under the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations.

If you are or could be pregnant, please ensure you inform the radiographer before your examination. Imaging involving radiation is avoided as much as possible during pregnancy, however can still be performed if there is an urgent clinical need.

Further information on pregnancy and the use of radiation can be found on GOV.UK.

Getting ready for your appointment

When you receive your appointment letter, please check which hospital is expecting to see you.
Some scans and procedures may require preparation. Details of what you need to do will be on your appointment letter or leaflet. Please read all the information we have sent you and contact us if you have any questions.
Some procedures may require you to:
- Take or stop certain medications. Our radiology nurses will discuss this with you before your appointment, but if you have any queries please contact us.
- Stay in hospital for a few hours post procedure. Should you need to stay in hospital, please ensure you have a named person who can collect you, take you home and be with you for at least the next 24 hours.
- Please note, we do not have childcare facilities in our department.

What happens at your appointment

Our short videos explains what to expect when you visit our hospitals.

Where we are

If you have been referred for an x-ray by your GP, it maybe possible you can use our walk-in service for chest or acute fracture x-rays only. If you need another type of x-ray your GP will contact us to request an appointment.

All x-rays are by appointment only (except chest x-rays which offer a walk-in and wait service).