Medical Imaging

Contact:: Tel: 01480 416130 (Main radiology reception area)

The Medical Imaging Service provides a diagnostic, interventional and therapeutic services for a wide range of procedures including:

Plain film examinations
Ultrasound examinations including echocardiograms
Cross sectional imaging - CT and MRI
Respiratory and cardiac diagnostics
Medical Photography
Nuclear Medicine
Clinical Photography
Fluoroscopy

Working under National and Royal College of Radiology guidelines about 100,000 examinations are performed each year by a multi-disciplinary team of around 80 staff.

Plain Film Examinations

The General Radiology Department is responsible for the majority of radiographic examinations in the Main Hospital. There are additional facilities on the ground floor of the treatment centre (Lily zone). Plain films include chest X-rays, X-rays for trauma (suspected broken bones), for accident and emergency work and for patients referred directly to the Department by their general practitioners (GPs).

Ultrasound

Ultrasound is a form of diagnostic imaging that does not use radiation. High frequency sound waves are used, which reflect from body tissues giving an image on a screen. There are two main areas where ultrasound is performed:

General Ultrasound Department
Located in the main X-ray Department and mainly used for in-patient examinations.
Treatment Centre
There are 3 ultrasound rooms in the Treatment centre, mainly performing Obstetric and outpatient Ultrasound scans

Cross Sectional Imaging (CT & MRI) Department

The CT scanner is co-located with the MRI Unit in a purpose built area in the Main Radiology Department. Short for computed tomography, using X-rays, the CT scanner is able to create cross-sectional 'slices' through the body. Three-dimensional imaging is also possible, for example in orthopaedic and facial reconstruction. Biopsies can also be performed in this Department, which avoids the need for a patient to have an 'open' biopsy in an operating theatre.

Respiratory and Cardiac Diagnostics

A range of non-invasive Cardiac and Respiratory diagnostics are offered within the Treatment Centre. Inpatients services are in the treatment centre or if possible at bed-side.
These include:

ECG

12-Lead ECG's
Ambulatory ECG monitoring (24 Hr - 7 day) Choose and book GP referral available 4 days per week.
24Hr BP monitors
Stress Test ECG's including a GP referral service (with access to Cardiology opinions for abnormal results) and stress test provision for Rapid Access Chest Pain assessments, which are attached to medical clinics over 4 days per week.

Echocardiography

Transthoracic Echos (including bubble and LVO contrast studies)
Valve Assessment Service (clinical physiologists assessment, questionnaire and echo for the follow up of patients with stable valve disease or who have undergone valvular surgery) which includes Cardiologists input and access into the medical Cardiology clinic.
GP direct referral access to Echocardiography is offered at Hinchingbrooke and by the Hinchingbrooke team in community based localities (Huntingdon, St Ives, St Neots and Ramsey). All slots are available on Choose and Book.
Currently under development is a combined patient friendly service aimed to offer an Echo and Carotid Doppler ultrasound scan in one appointment (operational by June 2009)

Respiratory Physiology

Standard Pulmonary Function ulmonary Function testing offered 5 days per week including dynamic lung volumes (with or without reversibility testing), static lung volumes and alveolar gas transfer tests.
6-Minute walk oxygen saturation tests
Skin-Prick allergy testing
Overnight, ambulatory oxygen saturation "apnoea" tests (inpatient)
Development of "Mannitol" Bronchial Chellenge testing is underway with a start date during Spring 2009.

Medical Photography

Medical Photography provides a clinical photographic and video service for all the specialities within the Trust, as well as carrying out work for private patients and the legal profession. Non-clinical work is also carried out by the department where capacity allows.

Enquiries for Medical Photography should be made on 01480 416128

Nuclear Medicine

Clinical Photography

Fluoroscopy

Fluoroscopy Suite uses dynamic imaging to look at internal organs in the body using contrast media. This can demonstrates the gastrointestinal and vascular systems. It also helps other practitioners with their patients, for example speech therapists working with patients who are having difficulties swallowing. There are 2 units, one located in the main radiology department and another on the first floor of the Treatment Centre.

Key contacts

Clinical Director: Tony Morgan
Directorate Manager: Kevin Powdrill
For further information contact main radiology reception on 01480 416130.

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