Diagnostics and Pharmacy offer imaging services at Fairfield General hospital.
X-Rays are the oldest and most frequently used form of medical imaging and despite all the newer, more sophisticated forms of scanning, it is still one of the most appropriate ways of detecting many problems.
X-Rays show up bones and certain other tissues, they are painless, and you cannot see or feel X-Rays. It is important that you stay still during the X-Ray, as otherwise the picture may be blurred. An ordinary X-Ray is a quick and easy test that is needed to diagnose or assess various problems.
An X-Ray machine directs a narrow beam of X-Rays through the part of the body that is being examined and an image is produced of the structures the X-Rays have passed through in your body and this image is captured digitally. The image is then transferred onto the PACS (image storage system) system where it is viewed by a Radiologist or an Advanced Practice Radiographer and is then formally reported on with the results released to the referrer.
Unfortunately we are unable to provide X-Rays without an appropriate referral.
Radiology- X-Ray
The provision of X-Ray and Fluoroscopy services to patients referred from GP's Outpatient clinics and inpatient wards. X-Ray and Fluoroscopy involves the use of low dose radiation.
CT Scan
The provision of specialist scans for patients referred from Outpatients clinics and inpatients wards. CT scan is often the first line diagnostic examination for a range of medical complaints including some cancers. CT scan involves the use of radiation.
MRI Scan
The provision of specialist scans for patients referred from Outpatients clinics and inpatients wards. MRI scan is also provided at Royal Oldham for patient referred from the Pennine MSK CATS with suspected muscular-skeletal conditions. MRI scan does not use radiation however due to the strong magnetic force some patients are contra-indicated e.g. those with Cardiac pacemakers.
Ultrasound Scan
The provision of low risk non-invasive diagnostic testing services to patients referred from GP’s, Outpatient clinics and Inpatient wards; Ultrasound can also be used to guide biopsies and drainages in some cases.
Ante Natal Ultrasound Scan
The provision of low risk non-invasive diagnostic testing for expectant mothers. Patients are referred from Ante Natal Clinics, Community midwives and inpatient wards and assessment units.
Vascular Ultrasound Scan
The provision of low risk non invasive diagnostic testing services to patients referred from GP’s Outpatient clinics and Inpatient wards; this service is for specific patients with vascular problems and suspected DVT.
DEXA
The provision of low dose radiation bone density monitoring; this service is provided to patients from Oldham GP’s and some specialist outpatients services.
Intervention Radiology
Specialist invasive services undertaken with imaging guidance.
Depending on the type of X-Ray you may be asked to change into an X-Ray gown in a changing cubicle. You will need to remove any metal and jewellery around the area being X-Rayed.
Some X-Rays are performed lying down on an X-Ray table, some you will be asked to take a seat on a chair and others may be performed standing up.
Fairfield General Hospital
Department name: Radiology (X-Ray) Department
Directions: Fairfield General Hospital Main Entrance, walk towards the left of the main entrance area, the Radiology Department will be located on your left a short way along this corridor.
Telephone number: 0161 778 2771
GP referrals are received via T-Quest and paper referrals
Other referrers will use Healthviews, Symphony or paper referrals.
CT (Computerised Tomography), MR (Magnetic Resonance) and Ultrasound services are also located within the Radiology Departments.
The Royal Oldham Hospital has a Dexa scanner which is used for bone density measurements.
CT scanners use X-Rays to produce a 3-D image of the area scanned. CT is very effective for demonstrating internal organs which cannot be seen on plain X-Rays, such as the brain, lungs, liver, kidneys and bowel. CT scans may involve the use of a type of dye which may be injected into a vein in your arm. You will receive information regarding your scan at the time of your examination
MR uses a very strong magnetic field to produce 3-D images, similar to CT and is useful for seeing muscles and tendons, as well as the brain, liver, kidneys, bowel and spine. MR scans may involve the use of a type of dye which may be injected into a vein in your arm.
Ultrasound uses high frequency soundwaves to produce an image on the body’s internal organs. Ultrasound is commonly associated with pregnancy scanning, but it can also show other internal structures such as kidneys, liver, arteries and veins, and ‘lumps and bumps’.
Interventional Radiology is used to demonstrate and surgically correct blood vessel changes. The Interventional service also perform a range of biopsy examinations to enable diagnosis without the need for more involved surgery. Interventional Radiology may involve the use of a type of dye which may be injected via a vein or artery, depending on the examination being performed.
Patients referred for specialist examinations will be issued with a patient information leaflet specific to the examination they have been referred for.