Radiology Services
X-ray and Ultrasound
Our onsite X-ray and ultrasound facilities offer a variety of scanning for both outpatients and inpatients. Gynaecological scanning and obstetric scanning normally require a referral from your GP, consultant or midwife. The centre draws on the expertise of a number of consultant radiologists, with specific experience and clinical interests in areas such as ultrasound, sports injuries and neuroradiology.
MRI Scanning
With a 1.5Tesla Siemens scanner we are able to obtain superb images enabling your doctor to commence the most appropriate treatment. Our second MRI unit, The Extremity MRI, was installed in the summer of 2006 and enables us to quickly scan areas of the body such as the hand, wrist and ankle without the need to undergo a full MRI scan.
CT Scanning
Parkside Hospital has a Multi-Slice CT allowing for a wide range of scanning to be performed. CT scans of the brain, sinuses, chest, abdomen, pelvis and all joints and bones are possible. All scans are reported by a consultant radiologist and this is sent to your doctor. As well as diagnostic scanning we are also able to offer procedures such as injections into the facet joints in the spine or injections of steroids into the hips for pain relief. Before performing any CT scan we require a letter of referral from your doctor stating what area needs to be scanned and clinical information about your condition.
Osteoporosis Scanning
Bone densitometry is a specialised scanning procedure which measures bone density to detect early signs of osteoporosis. Bone densitometry does not involve significant exposure to radiation. The ageing process affects everyone's bone mass and for women in particular, bone loss can accelerate around the time of the menopause when the body ceases to produce oestrogen. Bone density assessment should ideally take place at around age 40 or above in those at risk of osteoporosis to identify early bone loss, take action to improve this and prevent fractures.
You may also like an osteoporosis screen if you have:
- A family history of osteoporosis (especially maternal hip fracture)
- Ceased menstruation for more than 6 months without reason
- An early menopause (before age 45) or surgery removing the ovaries
- Anorexia or bulimia or undertake extreme exercise (marathon running, ballet etc.)
- Had a hip or wrist fracture after a minor fall
- Lost height over age 65 or become stooped
- A concern regarding your risk of osteoporosis and do not wish to take hormone replacement therapy (HRT)
- Taken steroid tablets for more than three months continuously
- Ever been a heavy smoker or drinker
- A low dietary intake of calcium and vitamin D
- A sedentary lifestyle without any regular exercise
On arrival you will be asked to complete a life style questionnaire. We will then routinely scan both your hip and your lumber spine, the scan is painless and will expose you to a very low radiation does. The screen takes approximately 30 minutes.
A consultant with a specialist interest in bone disease will read and report your scan and will send this report to your referring clinician within five days. If the report recommends further action, such as referral to a Consultant Rheumatologist or Gynaecologist this can be made by your referrer.
Following the guidelines of the National Osteoporosis Society, requests for bone densitometry scanning can be made on a 'self-refer' basis as well as by a registered medical practitioner, or other recognised health professional (i.e. specialist osteoporosis nurse or physiotherapist). For further information about this new service, or to make an appointment please call the Radiology Department on 020 8971 8025.
If you would like more information about our Radiology Services service, please get in contact with us by phoning 020 8971 8000 or use our contact page.
