Radiology
Welcome to the Trust's Imaging/Radiology Department. In May 2017, the Radiology and Imaging services at our Women's and Children's Hospitals integrated to become one team and over time are looking to see how we can work more closely together to improve the service we offer to our patients. We are one of the busiest specialist Radiology teams in the country and in total we see approximately 110,000 patients per year. Our services are split across both hospital sites.
Radiology at our Women's Hospital
We provide a wide range of diagnostic examinations using multiple imaging modalities such as x-rays, fluoroscopy, ultrasound (obstetrics, gynaecology and paediatric), CT and MRI, which are performed off-site at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
We operate from Monday to Saturday and provide an emergency on-call radiography service 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Tel: 0121 335 8260
The team
Our team is made up of consultant radiologists, sonographers, radiographers, health care assistants and administrative staff.
X-rays
X-rays are produced using radiation to assess a range of different body parts, organs or structures, sometimes with the use of contrast medium.
The majority of our X-rays are performed on neonatal babies on the Neonatal Unit using digital radiography equipment.
All radiographic images are reported by a consultant radiologist.
Hysterosalpingogram (HSG)
An HSG is an investigation using X-rays and contrast medium to examine the uterine cavity and patency of the fallopian tubes.
It is primarily performed as a series of fertility investigations. However, it is also used to confirm tubal blockage post-sterilisation or for assuring tubal patency following sterilisation reversal.
Obstetric ultrasound
We perform the full range of obstetric scans in addition to the screening tests routinely offered to all pregnant women.
Ultrasound is an indispensable diagnostic tool in obstetric imaging and plays a vital role in the diagnosis of abnormalities and monitoring the wellbeing of a foetus.
Gynaecology ultrasound
Ultrasound is widely used in gynaecology for the assessment of the pelvic organs.
It can be performed transabdominally/TA (over the lower abdomen and pelvis) or transvaginally/TV (internally). The TA scan often requires a full bladder which needs to be emptied before the TV scan.
MRI and CT
CT and MRI scans are performed at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham. The examinations are planned and reported by our consultant radiologists.
They are performed for a wide variety of indications to include fibroid assessment, cyst characterisation, pelvic mass localisation and characterisation, cancer staging, post-operative assessment as well as a number of non-gynaecological ailments.
Radiology at our Children’s Hospital
Our paediatric imaging department provides an extensive range of diagnostic services including CT, MRI, fluoroscopy, plain film (X-ray) imaging, nuclear medicine and ultrasound.
Our team is made up of consultant paediatric radiologists, radiographers, admin staff and nuclear medicine technicians.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
An MRI scan uses very strong magnetic fields and radio waves to produce soft tissue images of any part of the body. It is especially good for looking at the brain, spinal cord, blood vessels, muscles and ligaments. In April 2017, we had a new MRI scanner installed which enables higher quality imaging and improved diagnosis.
CT scan (computed tomography)
CT scans use X-rays to look at the tissues of the body in separate sections or ‘slices’. Most examinations take between ten and 30 minutes. The examination is performed with the patient lying on a table which moves slowly through a tunnel-like hole.
Ultrasound
An ultrasound scan uses high-frequency sound waves to create an image of part of the inside of the body such as the liver, kidneys or soft tissues. Ultrasound scans can be used to:
- Examine the brain in young babies
- Examine other parts of the body such as the kidney, bladder and abdomen
- Guidance for a surgeon performing certain types of biopsy.
Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy is an imaging technique that takes real-time (live) moving images of a patient’s internal structures using X-rays (radiation). The examination is performed on a table/couch with a camera that is over the patient. The radiologist will move the camera to see the area being examined. Patients will be given X-ray contrast, or air will be used to best show the area being studied. The moving images will show on a screen in the room. The room will be dim to allow the images to be seen with more detail. During the test, the patient may hear some noises from the machine.
Parents are welcome in the room, but siblings under 18 years of age cannot be in the room during imaging.
Nuclear medicine
Nuclear medicine is where images and other data are obtained following the administration of a small amount of radioactive isotope dye. Dyes are administered to patients then the radiation given out is measured to image different organs. Nuclear medicine differs from most other types of imaging because it tells us about how an organ is functioning rather than just what it looks like.
The dye can be injected, swallowed or breathed in, however for most of our examinations it is injected. For children aged over 12 months, the area of the injection can be numbed by anaesthetic “magic” cream applied before the injection. The isotope goes directly to the organ being imaged, and a gamma camera is used to take images.
The amount of radiation in a nuclear imaging procedure is comparable with that received during a diagnostic x-ray, and the amount received is kept within safe limits.
Contact details
Appointments – 0121 333 9722
Main reception – 0121 333 9724
Fax – 0121 333 9726