Sussex Premier Health, Hastings: Important update for patients with upcoming appointments
Investigates and diagnoses a variety of health conditions
An X-ray is a quick and painless procedure used to diagnose many health conditions. It involves exposing part of the body to a small dose of ionising radiation (X-rays), which can take images of bones and also used to look at the heart, lungs and blood vessels.
A referral letter from a consultant or GP is required before booking any diagnostic investigation.
You might need to have an X-ray to check one of your bones for a fracture or infection, a joint for damage, a hip fracture, hip pain inflammation or bursitis or soft tissue or an organ for signs of disease.
You don’t usually need to make any preparations before your examination.
Our dedicated radiology team will give you tailored advice to follow in the run up to your visit.
We understand that having any type of investigation can potentially be a time of anxiety and worry. Our experienced and caring medical staff will be there for you.
During an X-ray your radiographer will position you on a table and then place a film holder or digital recording plate under the area of your body that’s being X-rayed.
The radiographer will then move behind a screen to activate the X-ray machine. The whole procedure is painless and is usually completed within five to 10 minutes.
X-rays travel through your body where they are absorbed at different levels by different tissues such as bones muscles and organs. When the X-rays come out on the other side of your body they hit a photographic film and make a pattern of light and shade.
The images produced are black white and grey. They are either stored on film or kept in a digital format and shown on a computer screen and allow your doctor to help diagnose what is wrong with you.
An X-ray is carried out as an out-patient procedure and you’ll be able to leave hospital after your scan.
Before you go home it’s important that you ask your radiographer when and how you will receive your results.
If you haven’t been told the results of your test within two weeks you should call the hospital or the doctor who requested your test. You should make sure your doctor has seen your report and has acted upon the results.
We will talk to you about the possible risks and complications of having this procedure and how they apply to you.
If you have any questions or concerns we’re here when you need us.
Our highly skilled radiographers will perform your X-ray, they will talk you through every step of the process.
We understand that having any type of investigation can potentially be an anxious time. Our caring medical staff will be there for you.
Before you go home after your X-ray, it’s important that you ask your radiographer when and how you will receive your results.
If you haven’t been told the results of your test within two weeks you should call the hospital or the doctor who requested your test.
You should make sure your doctor has seen your report and has acted upon the results.
If you have any questions or concerns about your X-ray you can call and speak to a member of our Radiology team, please call 01424 757401.
Speak to a member of our team
01424 757400 info@sussexpremierhealth.com