Your appointment Radiology
Your appointment letter or booking information will tell you:
- The date and time of your appointment
- Where you need to attend
- What examination you are having
- Whether you need to prepare beforehand
- Any information you need to bring with you
Some examinations require specific preparation, such as fasting, drinking water or arriving with a full bladder. Please make sure you read your appointment instructions carefully and follow them before attending.
If you are unsure about how to prepare for your examination, please contact the Radiology Department using the details provided in your appointment letter.
What happens when I arrive?
When you arrive, please follow the signs to the Radiology Department and check in at reception.
A member of the Radiology team will confirm your details and explain what will happen during your examination.
Depending on the type of scan or examination, you may be asked to change into a hospital gown or remove jewellery, clothing or other items that could affect the images.
Our staff will explain the examination to you and give you the opportunity to ask questions before it begins.
If you are anxious or have concerns about your examination, please let a member of the team know. We will do our best to support you.
After your examination
In most cases, you can return to your normal activities immediately after your examination.
If you have been given contrast or another medication as part of your examination you may have to wait for 20 minutes in our waiting room after the examination, the Radiology team will provide any additional information you need before you leave.
Your images will be reviewed by an appropriately qualified member of the Radiology team where required, and a report will be sent to the healthcare professional who requested your examination.
How will I get my results?
The Radiology Department does not provide examination results directly to patients on the day, your results will be available via your NHS app or Patient knows best portal.
Your results will normally be sent to the healthcare professional who referred you, such as your GP or hospital consultant. They will discuss the results with you and explain whether any further investigations or treatment are required.
The time taken for your results to become available can vary depending on the type of examination and the clinical circumstances.
If you cannot attend your appointment
If you are unable to attend your appointment, please contact us as soon as possible using the contact details below or on your appointment letter.
Please do not simply fail to attend. Giving us notice allows us to offer the appointment to another patient and arrange another appointment for you where appropriate.
Radiology Booking Contact
- Telephone: 01432 804464
- Monday to Friday: 8am to 6pm
Radiology reception at the County Hospital and Community Diagnostic and Therapy Centre
- Radiology reception is open: 7 days a week, 8am to 8pm
Please note that opening hours and appointment availability may vary depending on the type of examination and location.
Accessibility and additional support
We want everyone to be able to access our services safely and comfortably.
If you have a disability, communication difficulty, mobility problem, learning disability, or any other requirement that may affect your visit, please let us know when your appointment is arranged or contact the department beforehand.
If you require an interpreter or communication support, please let us know as early as possible.
If you are particularly anxious about your examination, please speak to a member of the Radiology team before your appointment so that we can discuss how we may be able to support you.
Pregnancy and imaging
If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are trying to become pregnant, please tell the Radiology team before your examination.
Some imaging examinations use ionising radiation. Although examinations are only undertaken when clinically justified and the benefits outweigh the risks, it is important that we are aware if you could be pregnant so that appropriate consideration can be given to your examination.
MRI and ultrasound do not use ionising radiation, but you should still tell the Radiology team if you are pregnant or may be pregnant.