Radiology

Ground Floor X-ray: (Located in the Hartshead Building)

• Nuclear Medicine

• General Ultrasound

• Gynaecological Ultrasound

• General x-ray (GPs and In-patients and Out-patients)

• Angiography

• Fluoroscopy

Lower Ground Floor X-ray: (Located in the Hartshead Building)

• CT Scan

• MRI Scan

• Mammography

• Breast Ultrasound

• Ultrasound – Diagnostic and Interventional (treatment)

• Dental x-ray

• General x-ray (Out-patients, GP’s, In-Patients, Accident and Emergency, Orthopaedic and fracture clinic)

• Fluoroscopy in Orthopaedic theatre and for cardiac pacemaker insertions

Maternity Ultrasound: (Located in the Charlesworth Building)

• Gynaecology Ultrasound

• Obstetric Ultrasound

Ladysmith: (Located in the Ladysmith Building)

• General x-ray (GPs, In-patients and out-patients)

CT Scan

Computed tomography (CT) is a medical imaging procedure that uses computer-processed x-rays to produce imaged slices of specific areas of the body. These cross-sectional images are used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in various medical disciplines.

At Tameside Hospital, we have two operational CT scanners providing imaging for around 15,000 patients per year. In 2013, we installed a state of the art Toshiba CT scanner which has yielded significant improvements in image quality for our patients.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique used in radiology to visualise internal structures of the body in detail. MRI images the nuclei of atoms inside the body. MRI can create more detailed images of the human body than possible with x-rays.

An MRI scanner is a device in which the patient lies within a large, powerful magnet and through sophisticated physics, an image can be produced. MRI provides excellent imaging of various tissues within the body and is especially useful in imaging the brain, muscles and the heart amongst others. Unlike CT scans or traditional x-rays, MRI does not use ionising radiation.

Ultrasound

Ultrasound utilises sound waves from an ultrasound probe to form images of the body’s internal structures. It is used extensively within abdominal, gynaecological and obstetric (Pregnancy) work.

Ultrasound does not use ionising radiation and has no known side effects.

X-ray

X-rays are a form of radiation that can pass through solid and semi-solid substances. In carefully controlled doses, they can be used to capture images of the body's internal structures.

X-ray is a safe and painless procedure often used to produce images of the inside of the body.

It is a very effective way of looking at fractured bones, such as a broken arm or wrist.

An x-ray can also be used to examine organs and identify problems. For example, an x-ray will show up an infection in your lungs, such as pneumonia.

X-rays are also often used during therapeutic procedures, such as those undertaken in angiography and fluoroscopy.

Mammography

A mammogram (x-ray of the breast) is taken by a female health professional. The mammogram is then studied to look for any abnormalities.

Ultrasound is often used as a complimentary imaging technique to the initial mammograms.

Mammograms are used as a diagnostic tool in patients with suspicious breast symptoms. 

Angiography/Fluoroscopy

Angiography and fluoroscopy are techniques are utilised to provide real time imaging of a wide range of body systems.

Within these areas of the department we perform a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic (treatment) procedures.

These include investigations such as barium enema (to visualise the large bowel), barium swallow ( to visualise the throat and gullet) and complex angiographic procedures which visualise the arteries and veins.

Nuclear Medicine

Nuclear medicine is a medical specialty involving the use of radioactive substances in the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

In nuclear medicine procedures, radionuclides are combined with other elements to form chemical compounds, or else combined with existing pharmaceutical compounds, to form radiopharmaceuticals. Once administered to the patient, these can assist in the diagnosis of organ specific disease. This allows for the assessment of organ function as well as physical appearance.

The Radiology Department has a variety of highly skilled and experienced staff including Consultant Radiologists, Advanced Practitioners, Radiographers, Specialist Nurses, Assistant Practitioners, Radiography Assistants, clerical staff and porters who provide an efficient, effective and safe service that is convenient for patients.

New state-of-the-art technology is continually being introduced. Over the past few years, we have replaced some of our analogue x-ray equipment with digital imaging equipment, which has enhanced the quality of imaging produced and assisted with patient flow. 

We also operate a Picture Archive Communication System - digital archiving solutions which allows all radiological images to be stored digitally, eliminating the need to store x-ray film and allows clinicians to view the images at any location in the hospital.

We have a number of radiographers who have extended their scope of practice to incorporate roles traditionally undertaken by consultant radiologists. These include barium enemas, CT head reporting, MRI reporting, x-ray film reporting and ultrasound, amongst others. We continually strive to look for areas in which we can improve the services we provide for our patients. Some of our recent developments have included the development of radiographer led hystero-salpingogram (assessment of sub-fertility), paediatric hip ultrasound scanning (assessment of developmental hip dysplasia) and nuchal translucency ultrasound scanning as part of the fetal anomaly screening programme.

• CT Scan - NHS Website

• Ultrasound scan - NHS website

• Royal College of Radiologists website

• Antenatal Results and Choices website

• Fetal Anomaly Screening Programme