OUR DEPARTMENTS

Radiology

What We Do

The Radiology department is responsible for using imaging technology to diagnose and sometimes treat patients. 

Traditionally this involves the use of X-rays printed on film, but now includes computerised digital technology for capture, processing and distribution of images around the Trust.

The following imaging systems are available at Whipps Cross:

  • CT (Computed Tomography)
    A type of X-ray system that can provide large numbers of two dimensional 'slices' through the human body.  Often used to examine the brain, lungs and heart, and for the investigation of abdominal disease.
  • Fluoroscopy 
    A type of X-ray examination that produces images of internal structures using fluorescent screens.  Common examination types are barium swallows and enemas, and angiography (imaging of blood vessels).
  • Interventional Radiology
    A variety of scanning methods used to assist with minimally invasive procedures.  These include insertion of stents, pacemakers and for biopsy (the removal of small amounts of tissue for laboratory examination).  
     
  • Mammography
    Uses low dose X-rays to examine the breast for evidence of tumours or cysts.
     
  • MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
    An advanced scanning technique that uses magnetism to produce highly detailed images of the body. MRI scans can assist diagnosis of physiological problems and/or disease in bone, organs and other soft tissue.
  • Nuclear Medicine
    A branch of Radiology that uses ‘radionuclides’ administered to the patient that emit gamma rays.  These are detected by a gamma camera and compiled into an image by computer.  Often used in the diagnosis of bone, lung, thyroid and kidney disorders.
  • Ultrasound
    A means to visualise internal organs using high frequency sound waves.  Most commonly used by sonographers to check the progress of the developing foetus.
  • X-Ray
    Standard method for imaging bone and internal organs, now stored digitally rather than on printed film.

How to contact us

  • Main X-ray Reception

020 8535 6718
  • GP X-ray Reception

020 8535 6721
  • MRI Reception

020 8535 6500
  • Ultrasound Reception

020 8535 6716
or 020 8535 6717
  • Breast Imaging Unit

020 8535 6643

Where to find us

  • Main X-ray
    Located at Junction 8 off the main hospital corridor in the Pink Zone.
  • GP X-ray
    Located at Junction 8, in the Pink Zone and is accessed from Bridge Road. Please note this is a seperate entrance.
  • MRI
    Located next to the Emergency and Urgent Care Centre (previously the Walk in Centre) in the Orange Zone. Access is from Hospital Road.
  • Ultrasound
    Located at Junction 7 off the main hospital corridor in the Pink Zone.
  • Breast Imaging Unit
    Located at Junction 7 off the main hospital corridor in the Pink Zone.

How to find us

For more information on how to find these locations or how to get the hospital please look under our 'Where to find us section'.

Opening Times

  • A&E X-ray                         

24 hour service
  • GP X-ray 

9:00am - 4:30pm   
Monday to Friday
  • Main X-ray

9:00am - 5:00pm   
Monday to Friday
  • MRI      

9:00am - 5:00pm   
Monday to Friday
  • Ultrasound  

9:00am - 5:00pm   
Monday to Friday
  • Breast Imaging

9:00am - 5:00pm   
Monday to Friday

How to get treatment

To get an appointment in the Radiology department you need to be referred by a hospital consultant or your GP (General Practitioner).

If your GP refers you, your GP will need to give you a referral form to attend the GP X-ray unit.

A&E patients are referred to Radiology if an examination is deemed necessary.