Radiology
The radiology services are part of the clinical support directorate. We aim to provide an excellent diagnostic imaging service, or imaging guidance for therapeutic procedures, for clients referred to the service. The service was one of the first to implement digital imaging and is 100% ‘filmless’, leading to 100% reliability in the provision of x-rays and other images to clinicians as and when they are needed.
Services provided
- Breast screening and symptomatic breast imaging
- Computed tomography (CT) scanning
- Gastro-intestinal imaging
- General ultrasound imaging
- Interventional radiology, including angiography, biopsy, drainage
- Magnetic resonance (MR) scanning
- Obstetric and gynaecological ultrasound imaging
- Plain film imaging for GP, OPD, and A&E
- Radionuclide imaging (‘nuclear medicine’)
- Specialist radiology, for example, hysterosalpingography, dacrocystography, sialography
- Theatre radiography
Contact the team
Radiology reception and general enquiries: 01284 713328
Appointment enquiries (CT, nuclear medicine, x-rays and ultrasounds): 01284 713378
CT scanning and nuclear medicine reception: 01284 713326
Angiography appointment enquiries: 01284 712573 / 01284 713095
MRI reception (appointments and enquiries): 01284 712891
Breast imaging: 01284 713768
Antenatal and gynaecological ultrasound scanning: 01284 713259
PACS enquiries: 01284 712572
Requests to transfer images: 01284 712573 / 712572
Location
Radiology
The radiology department is located in the centre of the ground floor of the hospital. From the main entrance, pass the Courtyard Café and the Hospital shop. When you reach the main hospital corridor, radiology is almost in front of you.
CT and nuclear medicine
For CT and nuclear medicine, as above, then turn left when you reach the main corridor, then CT and nuclear medicine is next on your right.
MRI
MRI is accessed from the rear entrance, near Rainbow ward. Turn sharp right after passing through the rear entrance and proceed along a short corridor. For reasons of magnet safety, you will need to ring a bell by the double doors at the end of the corridor, and you will be let in.
You may be asked to visit our mobile MRI scanner, which is located in car park E at West Suffolk Hospital.
Antenatal and gynaecological
Antenatal and gynaecological ultrasound scanning is located on the first floor between wards F11 and F12.
Opening times
Walk-in x-rays: The walk-in service for x-rays at the West Suffolk Hospital is open Monday to Friday, 9am - 4pm (excluding bank holidays). Patients attending outside of these hours will not be imaged.
Please note: afternoons are significantly quieter and waiting times in the mornings can be up to an hour and half.
Appointments: You may be sent an appointment, for examinations other than x-rays, anytime between 8.00am - 8.00pm on all days including weekends and bank holidays. This to keep our waiting list as short as possible.
Do not attend the walk-in service or an appointment if you have any Covid-19 symptoms.
Any queries please contact: 01284 713378 / 01284 713328
X-ray service
West Suffolk Hospital walk-in service
The West Suffolk Hospital site operates a walk-in service for x-rays. Patients who have been referred by their doctor can use the walk-in service which is available Monday to Friday, 9am-4pm (excluding bank holidays).
Patients attending outside of these times will not be imaged.
Please note: afternoons are significantly quieter and waiting times in the mornings can be up to an hour and half.
X-rays at other locations
Patients who have been referred by their doctor must book an appointment for X-ray imaging at other locations, the opening times and contact details are below:
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Location
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Opening times
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Contact number
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Community Diagnostic Centre at Newmarket Community Hospital
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Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
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01638 558685
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Thetford Healthy Living Centre
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3-4 sessions per week
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01284 713378
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Sudbury Health Centre
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3-4 sessions per week
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01284 713378
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Botesdale Health Centre
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1-2 sessions per week
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01284 713378
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Referrals
To view the radiology referral guidelines please click here
Patient information
Appointments
Once a medical professional forwards their request our appointment team will book you the next available examination slot with the appropriate doctor. Please telephone: 01284 713378 if you have any queries regarding this.
Because of the potential risks to an unborn child we need to know, for certain examinations, if there is any possibility of a patient or accompanying parent being pregnant.
All patients between the ages of 12 years and 54 years of age will be asked if there is the possibility of pregnancy.
Discussion will be carried out in private and in confidence.
It is not advisable to bring children when attending an imaging appointment as there are no child facilities available. Any children must be able to remain unattended as staff are not legally able to look after them.
MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging, it is the combination of a powerful magnet and a sophisticated computer that allows the radiographer to take images of any body part without the use of x-rays.
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With your appointment letter you will have a safety questionnaire. It is very important that you fill this in before your appointment. If you have a PACEMAKER, COCHLEA IMPLANT, certain HEART VALVES, ANEURYSM clips and SHUNTS you will not be scanned.
The MRI scanner is a powerful magnet and such metallic implants are not safe. Please contact the department on telephone: 01284 712891 if you have any of these.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding please ring the department on telephone: 01284 712890 before your appointment.
Scans vary in time; some are as quick as 15 minutes and the more complicated scans may last up to 45 minutes. If you are particularly worried/nervous about your scan it may be possible for someone to accompany you. They will also be in the magnetic field therefore it is important that they also remove all metal and complete the safety questionnaire. Please phone prior to your appointment if you require further advice.
If you would like to further information on how to obtain a CD-ROM containing copies of your diagnostic images please contact Anita Bruce in the medical legal department on telephone: 01284 713456 with the exception of private patients. Please note, there may be an administration fee, this will be confirmed when you contact us. If someone other than yourself is collecting the disc they will require written permission and a form of photo ID. We will not release patient records for your child if they are over the age of 16 without their prior consent. The disc will contain image and text data about you and your condition. Normally we would undertake to keep this data safe and secure under the Data Protection Act. We transfer this data into your keeping on the understanding that we cannot be held responsible for the safekeeping of that data from this point forward. The disc will not be encrypted. You will be given a receipt that deems collection and payment have taken place.