Having an X-RAY – Information for patients with learning disabilities

Having an X-RAY – Information for children and adults with learning disabilities

An x-ray is a quick and painless procedure used to take pictures of the inside of the body. X-rays are carried out by a Radiographers in our different departments.

WHEN YOU ARRIVE

• Book in at General x-ray reception for appointments.

• A+E patients will be advised where to wait.

• You will be asked to take a seat in the waiting area
• If you are in a chair or a bed your porter will tell you where to wait
• Please listen for your name

• You may be asked to change into a hospital gown

FOR THE X-RAY

• The radiographers or radiology assistants will take you into the x-ray room
• You will be asked some simple questions to check you are the right patient for the right x-ray

• You may have to sit, stand or lie down
• You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds
• It’s important to stay very still whilst your x-ray is being taken

• X-rays usually take less than 15 minutes but this depends on the number of x-rays you need

FOR X-RAYS OF YOUR TEETH ONLY

• You will be called into the room
• There are special x-ray machines to position your head
• This will NOT hurt

• The machine will make a noise and move around your head
• It’s very important to stay very still

• X-rays usually take less than 15 minutes but this also depends on the number of x-rays you need

AFTER THE X-RAY

• You will be told when your x-ray is finished
• You will be told how to get your results
• You will be told where to go next

More information

The person who takes your x-ray is called a radiographer.

You can talk to the radiographer before you go in for your x-ray.

You can ask questions and tell them if there is something you do not understand.

You can chat with a radiographer before you go in for your x-ray to answer any questions.

If you would like more detailed information about having an x-ray, please see our leaflet ‘Your radiology examination and you.’

If you have any questions before or after your hospital visit, you can call the hospital switchboard on 01905763333. You can ask to speak to the Radiology x-ray department or another team if appropriate.

For advice and assistance with any hospital visit then call 01905763333 and ask for the learning disability acute liaison Team.

If your symptoms or condition worsens, or if you are concerned about anything, please call your GP, 111, or 999.

Patient Experience

We know that being admitted to hospital can be a difficult and unsettling time for you and your loved ones. If you have any questions or concerns, please do speak with a member of staff on the ward or in the relevant department who will do their best to answer your questions and reassure you. 

Feedback

Feedback is really important and useful to us – it can tell us where we are working well and where improvements can be made. There are lots of ways you can share your experience with us including completing our Friends and Family Test – cards are available and can be posted on all wards, departments and clinics at our hospitals. We value your comments and feedback and thank you for taking the time to share this with us.

Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS)

If you have any concerns or questions about your care, we advise you to talk with the nurse in charge or the department manager in the first instance as they are best placed to answer any questions or resolve concerns quickly. If the relevant member of staff is unable to help resolve your concern, you can contact the PALS Team. We offer informal help, advice or support about any aspect of hospital services & experiences.

Our PALS team will liaise with the various departments in our hospitals on your behalf, if you feel unable to do so, to resolve your problems and where appropriate refer to outside help.

If you are still unhappy you can contact the Complaints Department, who can investigate your concerns. You can make a complaint orally, electronically or in writing and we can advise and guide you through the complaints procedure.

How to contact PALS:

Telephone Patient Services: 0300 123 1732 or via email at: wah-tr.PALS@nhs.net

Opening times:

The PALS telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.00pm. Please be aware that you may need to leave a voicemail message, but we aim to return your call within one working day.

If you are unable to understand this leaflet, please communicate with a member of staff.  

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