X-ray

Plain film imaging (X-ray) is undertaken in the main part of the radiology department for all outpatient clinics, GP practices, emergency department patients and inpatients.

X-ray is one of the busiest parts of the radiology department and operates 24 hours a day, every single day of the year. There are four general x-ray rooms and one dental x-ray room at the Countess of Chester Hospital and an x-ray room at Ellesmere Port Hospital in the Community Diagnostic Centre.

The radiographers all work to provide x-ray services in the general department, on wards (for patients who are too unwell to attend the department), and in theatres to help surgeons when they’re operating on patients.

All x-rays use the newest technology, known as digital radiography. Images are electronically stored on a computer system. The x-rays are reported by radiologists or reporting radiographers based at the Countess of Chester Hospital using the same computer system.

The department is a teaching centre, where we train students from the University of Wales (Bangor) and the University of Liverpool. We help undergraduate radiography students of varying levels of skill throughout the year.

We offer GP patients from Chester and the surrounding areas routine appointments. Urgent GP referrals can be offered a same day appointment. Patients are expected to ring the radiology appointment line on 01244 36 3043 to make an appointment if a GP has said that an x-ray is required.

Ellesmere Port Hospital radiology department

In Ellesmere Port the radiology department is situated in our Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC). The hospital offers free parking and easy access for all patients.

A range of scans are available at Ellesmere Port Hospital including x-ray, ultrasound, CT and MRI. The department is fully digital and integrated with systems used at COCH so that images can be viewed at both sites and, reported rapidly by radiologists if needed.

What happens after your x-ray?

Your images will be reported on by a radiologist or reporting radiographer and we aim to return the report back to your GP within seven days for urgent requests and four weeks for routine requests.

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