DIRECTORATE OF RADIOLOGY
DIRECT ACCESS FOR PLAIN FILM X-RAY
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL NORTH DURHAM & SHOTLEY BRIDGE
As from Tuesday 3rd May 2016, we will be providing a direct access (walk-in) x-ray service for patients at University hospital North Durham (UHND) and Shotley Bridge (SB) between the hours9 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays). This service is not available outside these hours.
We will no longer make routine appointments for patients at these two hospitals.
However if a patient would prefer an appointment, they can do so by telephoning
0191 3332494. Please advise patients they may need to wait up to 7 days for an appointment.
Can ensure you place an electronic request on the ICE system and advise patients to walk-in to either of these hospitals during the hours indicated above.
Failure to request the examination prior to patients attending for x-ray will result in them being turned away until a request is received.
Please can you inform patients they may have to wait depending upon the level of emergency activity at the time of their attendance. However we envisage maximum waiting times should be no longer than 45 -60 minutes.
To avoid delays at SBH it would be advisable for patients not to attend during
12.30 -1.30pm.
The x-ray department at UHND is situated on the ground floor and easily accessed from the main entrance or A&E entrance.
SBH x-ray can be accessed via the minor injuries/urgent care entrance.
CHESTER LE STREET & STANLEY MEDICAL PRACTICE
APPOINTMENTS
We will continue with a limited appointments based service at Chester le Street and Stanley Primary Care Centre.
Please advise patients to ring 01207 594562 (Shotley Bridge number) to book an appointment at Chester le Street or Stanley Primary Care Centre.
Again, an electronic referral will need to be placed on the ICE system, requesting the patient to attend either Chester le Street orStanley Primary Care Centre.
Could you kindly ensure that there is comprehensive clinical history on each referral to enable our Radiographers to complete the examination requested without having to query instructions on the referral.