Appointments

Before your X-ray

If you do not want to change into a hospital gown, please do not wear clothing with zips, metal, buttons or clothes that are made out of thick material.

We do not have childcare facilities. Please do not bring children or dependants with you.

If you need assistance in the department or have a medical condition that you feel affects your safety, please let us know when you arrive.

You can bring a carer or escort with you if you need one. Read more about bringing people to outpatient appointments. 

Please note that some X-ray examinations use different equipment in different rooms. This means while you are waiting, it might look like some people go in ahead of you but this is not the case.

During your X-ray

A trained specialist called a radiographer will do your X-ray.

The radiographer will ask you to confirm some details, including your name.

The radiographer will ask for your permission to go ahead with the X-ray. They can also answer any questions or concerns you might have.

It is your decision to have an X-ray and you can change your mind at any time. Please be aware that not having the X-ray might delay your diagnosis. If you would like to read our consent policy, please ask a member of staff.

If you're pregnant, or you think you might be, you must tell the radiographer before your exam.

You might be asked to change into a hospital gown. You may also need to remove certain items of clothing or jewellery.

You'll be asked to move into different positions while we take the X-ray.

You cannot feel X-rays so the procedure is painless. However, it is important for the radiographer to get you into the correct position. Holding this position or lying on the X-ray table might feel uncomfortable.

After your X-ray

The radiographer might ask you to wait in the department while they check no more X-ray pictures are needed.

You can leave the department when they tell you that no more X-rays are needed.

Getting your results

Your X-ray pictures will be studied by a radiologist. The results will be sent to the doctor who referred you.

The radiographer will tell you how to get your results and how long it will take, as it might be different for each patient.

Please contact the doctor who referred you to arrange a time to talk about the results and any treatment you need.

If you're staying in hospital, the results will be given to the doctors looking after you on the ward.