Please note that for any urgent or life-threatening conditions, we always recommend that you should call 999 or go to your nearest emergency department immediately. We are usually able to provide face to face or remote appointments with our GP’s within 24 hours. Please contact 01442 331 900 to book an appointment.
Digital x-rays provide a quick diagnosis for a variety of conditions.
An x-ray is a quick and painless procedure used to produce images of the inside of the body. It is an effective way of looking at the skeletal system, teeth, abdomen, pelvis and chest, which can be useful in detecting a range of conditions. The examination is performed by a trained Radiographer.
For your x-ray examination, you will be asked to either sit, lie or stand. For some chest x-rays for example, you will stand in front of a specialised plate that contains x-ray sensors; whereas for others, you will lie or sit on a specialised plate and the x-ray machine will move over your body.
It is important to stay still while the images are being taken so that the best possible images are captured.
Although the Radiographers will go behind a screen to capture the x-ray image, you will always be seen and heard. The x-ray should not be uncomfortable or painful.
Yes, a GMC-registered doctor can refer you for an x-ray.
Alternatively, a registered healthcare professional can refer you for an x-ray to us if they have a referral pathway in agreement.
| X-rays: | From £135 |
| CBCT: | From £175 |
| OPG/Panoramic: | £85 |
| Lateral Cephalometric: | £85 |
| Mammogram: | From £250 |
You will be escorted to the imaging department by a radiographer or other member of imaging staff.
The procedure for your examination will be explained to you. You will be shown to a private cubicle where you will be asked to put on a gown.
For certain x-ray examinations, you will be asked to undress and/or remove jewellery. Depending on what part of your body is being x-rayed, you may also be asked to remove your glasses, dentures or piercings as well.
No preparation is needed for an x-ray.
The Consultant Radiologist will write a report based on the images acquired during your x-ray. This report will be sent to your referring clinician within 48 hours. You can discuss the results with your clinician at your follow-up appointment.
You can resume normal activities immediately after the x-ray is complete.
We are all exposed to natural background radiation. This comes from the ground, building materials, food and even from outer space (cosmic rays). Each medical x-ray examination gives us a small additional dose on top of this natural background radiation.
Medical radiation doses are way too low to produce immediate harmful effects. The effect of having an x-ray is a possible increase in a lifetime risk of developing cancer.
Despite these slight risks, your doctor believes it is advisable that you should have this examination to avoid missing a potential diagnosis.
However, please notify the imaging department if you have had a similar x-ray recently or if you are a woman who is (or might be) pregnant.
Yes, a friend or family member may attend the appointment with you.
