X-ray

X-rays and Radiation

We all receive radiation, known as “background radiation”, every day. This is due to natural causes from cosmic rays, from rocks, from travel and from the food we eat. Every x-ray we have results in a small additional dose of radiation; the level of dose varies with different types of x-ray examinations.

If you require more information about the radiation dose you will receive from your examination, please speak to the radiographer looking after you when you come for your test or find more information below:

A&E X-ray

Located at A&E department of the hospital. The department is open 24hours. It has two DR x-ray rooms. AE1 x-ray Room – has GE Proteus equipment and AE2 x-ray Room has Xerograph equipment.

Cauldwell X-ray department

Serves all walk-in GP x-ray patients. It is located at the Cauldwell centre. The opening hours are 09:00 – 17:00pm. The department has one DR x-ray room – AGFA DR600 equipment.

Main X-ray

Located at Reception L – close to the Britannia road entrance of the hospital next to Pharmacy. The opening hours are 09:00 – 17:00pm. The department has three DR x-ray rooms. Room 1 – AGFA DR600, Room 2 – GE Discovery and Room 3 – Siemens. This department serves inpatients, out-patient clinics, dental and orthopaedic clinic.

There isn’t usually done to prepare for the X-ray, you can eat and drink as normal before you have your X-ray, You will receive a letter with all the information need, it is best to wear loose comfortable clothes however you may need to remove any jewellery or avoid any clothing with metal such as zips.

Please report to the X-ray and Imaging department close to the Britannia Road entrance of the hospital, next to the pharmacy.

During the X-ray, you’ll be asked to lie flat on a table or stand against a surface, so that the part of your body being examined can be positioned in the right place. You will need to keep still while the image is being taken, it will only last a short second and you may be asked to take multiple X-rays to provide as much information as possible.

In some cases a substance called a contrast agent may be given before an X-ray is carried out. This can help show soft tissues more clearly on the X-ray.

Types of X-rays involving a contrast agent include:

  • Barium swallow – barium is swallowed to help highlight the upper digestive system.
  • Barium enema – barium is passed into your bowel through your bottom
  • Angiography – iodine is injected into a blood Bessel to highlight the heart and blood vessels
  • Intravenous urogram (IVU) – iodine is injected into a blood vessel to highlight the kidneys and bladder

These X-rays may need special preparation beforehand and take some time to carry out. You will be explained to beforehand if you need to do anything to prepare for these particular X-rays.

The results will be sent back to the doctor who had referred you to have this X-ray, please contact your own doctor (GP) for results. If your X-ray request has been sent from a doctor in the hospital (outpatients) the results will be sent back to outpatients in time for your next appointment.

Phone number 01234 792625

Monday to Friday 8.45 to 17.00