The Radiology service is provided across all three sites at out Trust; Pinderfields Hospital, Dewsbury District Hospital and Pontefract Hospital.
Welcome to Fluoroscopy
Fluoroscopy is a radiological technique which gives a real-time video image for diagnostic purposes. Most procedures use some form of contrast media (x-ray dye) which enables certain areas of the body to be highlighted; this contrast enters the body using a variety of methods, for instance it could be swallowed or injected.
Preparation for the examination
To get the best images, we may ask you to prepare before your examination e.g. nil by mouth or by taking antibiotics. The details of the preparation will be included in your appointment letter, so please read it carefully.
On arrival, please check in at the Radiology Reception.
Pinderfields Hospital: Main entrance, head towards WH Smith, Radiology is on the right, Gate 17, Level B.
Dewsbury Hospital: Ridings building, from the main entrance, continue along the main corridor, following the signs for X-ray.
For some examinations, we may ask you to change into a hospital gown.
About the examination
The Radiologist or Radiographer performing the test will explain the examination before commencing and will complete any relevant documentation that is required. Please feel free to ask any questions regarding the examination that you are attending.
Each different examination takes a differing length of time and your information leaflet will give you an approximate time for your particular examination.
After the examination
If you have been asked not to eat or drink prior to your examination, normal eating and drinking can be resumed as soon as it has finished.
If you have had a barium drink, you may be asked to increase your fluid consumption for a couple of days to prevent constipation.
The majority of examinations should have no adverse side effects.
A radiologist or specialist radiographer will report your exam and send these back to your doctor who referred you.
Opening times
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm (appointment only)
Appointment centre: 01924 512266
In the Interventional Radiology Department, we perform a wide variety of procedures using Fluoroscopy, Ultrasound and Computerised Tomography (CT).
Many of our procedures can treat certain conditions, such as peripheral vascular disease, while others aid in diagnosis, such as biopsies. We also undertake cardiac procedures, such as Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) and Implant Pacemakers.
Fluoroscopy uses live X-rays and contrast agents (X-ray dye) to visualise organs or structures within the body. The contrast can be injected into blood vessels, which would not normally be seen by themselves on X-ray. This then gives the doctor a map of the vessels or structures in order to carry out the various procedures.
Our team
We have a large team consisting of Consultant Radiologists, Consultant Cardiologists, Radiographers, Nurses, Cardiac Physiologists, Assistant Practitioners, Trainee Nursing Associates, Advanced Health Care Assistants, Administrators and Stock Controllers.
Where to find us
We are located at Pinderfields Hospital, Floor B, Gate 17. We also offer some procedures at Dewsbury Hospital in the Radiology Department.
Our Daycase Recovery area is open at Pinderfields from Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 7.30pm, and at Dewsbury (Wednesday’s only), 8am to 6pm.
For most of our procedures, you will be able to go home the same day, and you will be looked after within the Daycase Recovery area within our department after your procedure. Sometimes an overnight stay is required where you may have to stay on a ward.
Contact us
Daycase Recovery: 01924 541634
Interventional Radiology Administrator: 01924 541605
Dewsbury Secretary: 01924 816167
MRI is a way of examining the organs and tissues in the body without the use of X-rays and when used correctly has no known harmful effects. However, as the MRI scanner uses a strong magnetic field, combined with powerful radio waves, there are other specific safety concerns, therefore, we will need you to complete a safety questionnaire before we can consider your scan.
Due to the complex nature of MRI we cannot use family members to interpret or provide the safety information. Where required, an interpreter can be provided if requested before the examination.
An advanced computer is used to provide very clear and detailed images of almost any area of the body. MRI is a valuable tool for the diagnosis of a wide range of conditions and allows us to see some body structures that may not be visible with other diagnostic imaging methods.
If you suffer from claustrophobia, you should discuss this with your GP or the doctor who has referred you as you may require some medication to help you through the examination which cannot be prescribed in MRI.
Due to the magnetic field, you may be asked to change into a gown and remove any metal from your person.
You are asked to attend before your scheduled appointment time in order to complete the relevant safety questionnaire. If you don't attend in time to complete the form, your appointment may be cancelled.
Whilst the Trust operates scanners on all hospital sites unfortunately not all of our scanners are capable of all examination types and so while we will try to accommodate your scan at your preferred site, you may be given an appointment at a specific site so please check your appointment letter.
You can contact the MRI department on the number below, however, as this is an office number, if your query is of a clinical nature, it may be necessary for a radiographer to call you back.
Call: 01924 541560, 8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday
What is an ultrasound scan?
An ultrasound scan is a non-invasive examination whereby detailed images of the internal organs are produced using high frequency sound waves. Ultrasound gel is placed on the area of interest and a probe guided over the body part to produce the images on the screen.
Do I need any special preparation before the examination?
Depending on what part of your body is being examined, you may be asked to carry out some instructions before you come for your appointment. You may be asked not to eat or drink for six hours, or you may be asked to drink some water before your examination so that your bladder is full for the scan. Your appointment letter will detail any instructions.
Please read your appointment letter carefully and follow the instructions it gives. The success of the examination may well depend on this. Failure to follow the instructions may result in the examination being delayed or postponed to another day.
What does the examination involve?
If you need to undress you will be given a gown to wear. In many cases you will not have to undress completely but will be asked to remove clothing from the area that will be examined during the scan. A Sonographer or Radiography Assistant will show you where you can get changed in private and when you are ready will escort you into the scan room. You will be asked to lie on the ultrasound couch for the scan. It may be necessary for you to lie in different positions and you may be asked to hold your breath while pictures are taken. The person performing the scan will tell you what to do and will help you if you have any difficulties.
How does it feel?
In order to perform your scan it will be necessary to apply a small amount of gel to the skin surface in the area being examined. This gel dissolves in water and will not stain your clothing. The procedure may be a little uncomfortable but should not be painful.
How long will the scan take?
Each examination is different and may take between 15 and 30 minutes to complete, depending on the area to be examined. There may be occasions when the examination time may be extended, for example, more water is required to fill the bladder.
Who performs the scan?
Your scan will be performed by either a Radiologist (medical doctor who specialises in interpreting diagnostic imaging) or a Sonographer who is specially trained in ultrasound scanning. Whoever performs your scan will explain what happens and will show you what to do.
Will I have to wait long before being scanned?
We always try to scan you as near to your appointment time as possible. Emergency cases must take priority however and this can sometimes cause delays. Please be patient, but feel free to ask one of the staff if you think that you may have been overlooked.
What are the benefits of having an ultrasound scan?
This examination will help us make the correct diagnosis so you will be able to be given the correct treatment.
What are the risks of having an ultrasound scan?
Ultrasound is considered to be a harmless method of investigating the body. There are no known side-effects from diagnostic ultrasound scanning.
When will I get the results?
Normally you can expect to receive the results of your scan when you next see the doctor who sent you for the examination.
After your examination, the Radiologist or Sonographer who performed the scan will study the pictures taken during your examination. A report is then prepared and this is sent to your doctor who asked for the examination. The report is normally sent out the day following the examination.
Can I drive home?
Yes.
What is an X-ray scan?
An X-ray is a low-risk and relatively painless procedure that's often used to produce images of the inside of the body.
X-rays can also be used to examine organs and identify problems. For example, an X-ray can highlight a lung infection, such as pneumonia, or find broken bones.
They are also often used by surgeons during therapeutic procedures, such as a coronary angioplasty, to help guide equipment to the area being treated.
How do X-rays work?
X-rays are a type of radiation. They're similar sources of energy to light. However, light has a much lower frequency than X-rays and is absorbed by your skin. X-rays have a higher frequency and pass through the human body.
As X-rays pass through the body, energy particles called photons are absorbed at different rates. This pattern shows up on the X-ray images.
The parts of your body made up of dense material, such as bone, show up as clear white areas on an X-ray image. The softer parts, such as your heart and lungs, show up as darker areas.
Who performs the scan?
X-rays are carried out by radiographers, who are healthcare professionals trained to use imaging technology, including X-ray machines, computerised tomography (CT) scanners and ultrasound scanners. Some specialist radiographers are also trained to make a diagnosis from the examination.
During an X-ray, you'll be asked to lie on a table or stand against a flat surface so that the part of your body being examined is positioned between the X-ray machine and an imaging plate.
The X-ray will last for a fraction of a second. As the X-rays hit the imaging plate, the plate will capture a snapshot of the image.
The image will then be transferred to a computer so that a radiologist or radiographer can study them and produce a report. Radiologists are doctors who are specially trained to carry out examinations and interpret medical images, such as X-rays and CT scans.
GP X-ray walk-in service
We offer a walk-in service for patients who require chest X-rays. A referral needs to be submitted by your GP or another referring clinician before you attend the department. If you do not attend the department within 28 days of referral, your examination will be sent back to your GP/referring clinician.
What are the benefits of having an X-ray?
The benefit of X-ray imaging is to enable your doctor to diagnose you. This will help you to receive any relevant treatments or alternative imaging if required.
What are the risks of having an X-ray?
People are often concerned about being exposed to radiation during an X-ray, however, everyone is exposed to sources of natural radiation throughout their life. Natural radiation is sometimes known as background radiation, such as:
-radon – a naturally occurring radioactive gas found in low levels in the atmosphere
-cosmic rays – a type of radiation that originates from space (from the sun and stars)
-the earth – soil and rocks contain various radioactive materials that have been present since the earth was formed; these contribute to our exposure, as do building materials made from soil, rocks and stones
-food and water – for example, nuts, bananas, red meat and potatoes all contain tiny traces of radiation.
Being exposed to X-rays carries a theoretical risk of triggering cancer at a later date, as does exposure to background radiation, however, this risk is very low, for example, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) has calculated that:
-an X-ray of your chest, teeth, arms or feet is the equivalent of a few days' worth of background radiation, and has a less than 1 in 1,000,000 chance of causing cancer
-an X-ray of your skull or neck is the equivalent of a few weeks' worth of background radiation, and has a 1 in 100,000-1,000,000 chance of causing cancer
-an X-ray of your breasts (mammogram), hip, spine, abdomen or pelvis is the equivalent of a few months' to a year's worth of background radiation, and has a 1 in 10,000-100,000 chance of causing cancer. It's important to put the risk of developing cancer from X-rays into perspective. More than one in three people in the UK will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime
-your risk of developing cancer depends on many factors, including your age, lifestyle and genetic make-up.
When will I get the results?
Your images will then be looked at by a relevant reporter. This could be an Advanced Practitioner specialised in image reporting or a Consultant Radiologist.
Your results should be reported within 14-28 days, and in some cases this may be sooner. You will be advised by the Radiographer the expected wait for your results at the time of your examination.
What is a breast clinic?
Breast clinics provide expert diagnostic services to work out if breast changes found by patients are benign (non-cancerous) or cancerous. In most cases, changes in breast tissue are not caused by cancer. There are many normal benign changes that can occur in the breast.
What to expect at the breast clinic
Different specialists may see you at your breast clinic appointment, depending on your needs. To get the most accurate diagnosis of the changes you have experienced, you may need a ‘triple assessment’ which involves:
A physical breast examination - undertaken by a breast surgeon or breast associate.
A breast imaging test, such as mammogram (breast X-rays) - A Mammogram is an x-ray of the breasts and is usually performed on both breasts and on patients over 40 years of age. It can be performed by either a mammographer or an assistant practitioner. During the mammogram the breast will be compressed between two Perspex plates for a few seconds in order to visualise the breast tissue. This pressure may be uncomfortable, however, the test is over quickly with the process lasting around 10 minutes.
Breast ultrasound scan - Breast ultrasound is particularly helpful in younger patients with dense breast tissue and in patients presenting with a lump. If under 40 years of age, this may the only breast imaging required. It is performed generally by an advanced practitioner radiographer or consultant radiologist/radiographer. The test is carried out whilst lying down. Gel is spread over the breast and a small handheld probe is gently pressed against the skin surface and then moved around so that the breast can be viewed from different angles. It is usually the area of concern that is scanned. The scan only lasts 5 to 10 minutes and has no known risks.
After imaging, further tests may be required:
Core biopsy
The procedure uses a needle to remove a piece of tissue from the area of concern within the breast. The breast tissue can then sent away to be looked at under a microscope to see if there are any abnormalities.
After the biopsy, the area will be pressed for a few minutes to help stop any bleeding, and a dressing will be applied. Several samples are usually taken.
The procedure is carried out whilst lying down and will normally take 15 to 20 minutes. A local anaesthetic will be used to numb the area so the amount of discomfort during the test should be minimal.
Fine needle aspiration
Some women may have a procedure called fine needle aspiration instead of a biopsy. This involves removing a sample of cells from inside the breast using a very thin needle, like a blood test, and the cells are sent away to be looked at under a microscope and checked for any abnormalities.
The procedure is usually carried out lying down and takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
Results
The imaging results are given to the patient at the time of the clinic visit. If a biopsy has been performed, a result appointment will be arranged during the clinic appointment.
All images undertaken within breast clinic are reviewed after the clinic. Sometimes this can result in us asking you to return to the department. This does not necessarily mean there’s something wrong, it just means that we may need to carry out further tests. If we do need you to return to the department, you will receive an appointment letter from the breast imaging team.
Radiology team
Radiologist - Highly trained doctor who has specialised in breast imaging. They will report the breast imaging that has been performed and issue this report to the referring team. They carry out biopsies under ultrasound guidance.
Consultant Radiographer - Highly skilled radiographers who have undertaken specialist post-graduate and masters level training in breast imaging. Like a radiologist, they will report the breast imaging that has been performed and issue this report to the referring team. They carry out biopsies under ultrasound and stereotactic guidance.
Advanced Practitioners - Radiographers who are highly qualified having undertaken additional post-graduate training to allow them to perform advanced skills alongside undertaking high quality mammograms. These include breast ultrasound examinations, x-ray guided biopsies and mammography imaging reporting.
Mammographers - A highly skilled team of radiographers who have had additional training to allow them to perform high quality mammograms.
Assistant Practitioners/mammography associates - The assistant radiographic practitioners/mammography associates are not radiographers but are highly qualified and specifically trained to perform mammograms.
Clinic Support Worker (CSW) - The CSWs assist the consultant radiographers and radiologists to perform the interventional procedures. They tend to the needs of the patients attending the breast imaging department.
We also undertake family history and post-operative surveillance screening mammograms. For further information regarding these programmes, please contact 01924 5422223.
All the staff in this department gave me excellent care and treatment.
Always good care from all.
All the staff were excellent today. The best experience I have had first class – 10/10
All were very helpful from receptionist to radiography.
All staff very professional and friendly. Made me feel very at ease and gave clear instructions.
Staff are friendly and helpful. Our NHS is fantastic.