Imaging

Our imaging department provides diagnostic support for a range of routine symptoms, medical emergencies and injuries. The department consists of:

• X-ray – 6 general x-ray rooms for outpatients, Emergency Department (ED) patients and inpatients.

• Fluoroscopy – 3 fluoroscopy rooms for interventional procedures.

• Mobile x-ray machines (4) for use on wards and ED.

• Mobile image intensifiers (3) for use in theatres.

• Ultrasound – 4 rooms for general and vascular ultrasound, 4 ante-natal/Gynae ultrasound.

• 2 CT (Computerised Tomography) scanners.

• 1 MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner.

• Nuclear Medicine – Gamma Camera.

• DEXA scanner (Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry).

• Mammography – symptomatic service plus a Breast Screening service including on-site equipment, a satellite unit at Scarsdale and 2 mobile units.

• Medical Photography.

The Imaging department is proactive about the modernisation agenda in realtion to equipment, services and our workforce. Some ongoing projects are as follows:-

• Equipment replacement programme – we have recently replaced some ultrasound equipment and are planning to introduce our first fully digital x-ray room this financial year. A plan is in place to replace and upgrade other equipment over the next 5 years.

• A project is underway to replace our second CT scanner and relocate it next to our other CT scanner to facilitate a more efficient service and to make space for a new, second MRI scanner to support our expanding MRI service.

• Supporting the training and development of Advanced Practice Reporting Radiographers in x-ray and MRI to support our existing team in x-ray, mammography and CT.

• Supporting extended role opportunities in, for example:  

• IV injections/cannulation.

• Hysterosalpinograms.

• Reporting.

• GI screening.

• Supporting training in Sonography.