Download IL78v3 Welcome to the Radiology Department

Welcome to the Radiology Department at the QEH
Patient Information for Radiology Services
Our department performs a range of tests from simple x-rays to highly sophisticated
procedures. These examinations include:General and A&E x ray
Computed Tomography
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Ultrasound
Interventional/Cardiac Catheterisation Suite
Fluoroscopy
DEXA scanning
Nuclear Medicine
X ray of Hand
This leaflet aims to tell you a little about each of which in turn might help to prepare you for
your examination.
Staff in the Radiology Department
Within radiology we have Radiographers (trained health professionals whom undertake the
majority of all examinations), Assistant Practitioners (trained to carry out the majority of
general x ray examinations), Radiography Department Assistants and office support. We also
have Advanced Practitioners. These are radiographers who have been specially trained to
interpret x rays and undertake certain specialised examinations. X-ray doctors called
Radiologists perform the more specialised examinations. They also oversee all areas and
interpret many of the x-rays.
As we are a teaching hospital we also have many students who gain valuable experience in
our department. Whilst your examination may be undertaken by one of our students, please
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be assured that your examination will still be of a high standard as it will be overseen by a
senior member of staff at all times.
If you have any problems or concerns whilst in our department please ask a member of staff
and we will do our best to assist you.
Special help
Please let us know if you have a disability or any other problems and we will do our best to
meet your needs. If you need transport to or from hospital please ask your GP to arrange
this.
Our department consists of several x-ray rooms:3 x ray rooms in the Main department
2 x ray rooms in A and E
These are rooms that are used to x-ray patients who have been sent from their G.P,
outpatient departments, clinics and wards in the hospital. Please tell the Radiographer if you
have had a similar x ray recently.
Some of our x ray suites have digital
radiography. This is a huge advancement in
technology since the use of plain film and
dark rooms. Images are now transferred on
the computer so we no longer have to print x
ray films out.
Could I be Pregnant?
Any woman who is, or might be pregnant should notify the Radiology Department in advance,
the doctor may decide to postpone the examination to a later date or if it proceeds lead
protection will be placed over your abdomen for protection.
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The Fluoroscopy Screening room
This is a special x-ray room where the organs in your body can be looked at by using
contrast (x ray dye). Examinations performed in this room include:Barium swallow/meal – This examination visualises the
gullet, stomach and small intestine (upper gut)
Evacuating Protogram – Visualises a wide range of
problems with the pelvic floor.
Micturating Cystogram – Visualises problems with your (or
your child’s) bladder.
Picture of the stomach filled with barium liquid (x-ray dye)
The Interventional Suite
Here we can look at the blood vessels in your body by using a contrast media. The range of
services include:Embolisation - prevents blood flow to an area of the body,
which effectively can shrink a tumour or block an aneurysm
(dilatation of a blood vessel)
Stenting – This includes opening a blockage in the bowel or
in a blood vessel.
A picture of the blood vessels in the leg using contrast media
The CT (Computerised Tomography) Suite
Our department has two CT scanners:-
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Philips Mx80001DT 16 slice scanner (2003)
GE Light speed VCT 64 slice scanner (2011)
This is an x-ray machine which uses a computer and x-rays to produce cross-sectional
(slices) pictures of the body. It is used to look at all areas of the body.
The MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) Unit,
An MRI scanner uses magnetic and radio waves so
there is no exposure to x-rays. Using this technique it is
possible to make pictures of almost all the tissues and
organs in the body, the services include:Heart, Brain, Cancer Detection and
Staging, ENT (Ears, nose and throat), bones and
muscles, breast imaging, abdomen, pelvis and blood
vessels.
MRI of the Brain
As the machine uses magnetic waves it is important to
inform the Radiology department in advance if you have had
any metal pins/prosthesis/clips, have ever worked with metal
or have a cardiac pacemaker. Also ensure to remove all
jewellery, hair clips, belts and any other metallic objects prior
to scan.
The Ultrasound Department.
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An ultrasound scan uses high frequency sound waves to look at organs and blood vessels in
the body. The computer converts the sound waves into a picture which is viewed on the
ultrasound machine monitor.
Services include – abdominal scanning, blood vessels, bones and muscles, obstetric (as
shown above) and children’s hips.
The Nuclear Medicine Department
Nuclear medicine uses radioactive substances to see
how the different organs in your body are working. The
substances are absorbed by the target organ or body
system, the services include: Bone scans of the whole body
 Heart – stress testing (exercise) and rest
 Liver tests
 Thyroid function tests…..and many more.
The Cardiac Catheterisation Department
The cardio thoracic department can perform specialised tests
called angiograms to look at the arteries in the heart. Also in this
department they carry out insertion and removal of cardiac
pacemakers.
A picture of the arteries in the heart
The Dexa Scan Room
A DEXA scan is a painless test, which is more sensitive
than normal x ray, used to measure the density of bones.
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DEXA scans help find out whether you have osteoporosis or are at risk of developing it.
(Osteoporosis is a condition where the bones - particularly those of the spine, wrist and hips become thin and weak, and break easily)
They can also be used to detect other bone disorders and conditions.
Satellite Sites:- Bensham / Riverside/Blaydon Departments
In addition to the Radiology Department at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital we also have an xray room at Bensham Hospital, one at QE Riverside (next to the Metrocentre) as well as one
in the Blaydon Walk in centre (At Blaydon leisure centre). At these centres we perform
general x-rays and if your G.P. sends you for an x-ray you may be given the option of
choosing whether you would like to have the examination done at any of our sites.
If you need any further information about the x-ray department telephone
0191- 4453702
Monday to Friday
9-00am-5-00pm
Data Protection
Any personal information is kept confidential. There may be occasions where your
information needs to shared with other care professionals to ensure you receive the best care
possible.
In order to assist us improve the services available your information may be used for clinical
audit, research, teaching and anonymised for National NHS Reviews. Further information is
available in the leaflet Disclosure of Confidential Information IL137, via Gateshead Health
NHS Foundation Trust website or the PALS Service.
Information Leaflet: No IL78
Version:
3
Title:
Welcome to the Radiology Department at the Queen Elizabeth
Hospital
First Published:
January 07
Last Reviewed:
December 2012
Review Date:
December 2014
Author:
Nicola Sloan (Radiographer)
This leaflet can be made available in other languages and
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formats upon request