Radiology involves taking images of the inside of the body to diagnose or treat disease, and includes imaging technologies such as X-rays, ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Some of these technologies, like X-Ray, use radiation to generate images.
Your referring clinician or your specialist team will be able to explain the purpose of your examination to you. Information will also be included with your appointment letter.
Radiology department: Maidstone Hospital
Opening hours: 8am to 8pm by appointment only
Contact us
- CT (blue zone): 01622 225668
- Interventional radiology: 01622 225338
- MRI (pink zone): 01622 225059
- Nuclear medicine (pink zone): 01622 225047
- Obstetric (green zone) and gynaecological ultrasound (blue zone): 01622 224241
- PET-CT: 01622 225047
- Ultrasound (blue zone): 01622 224718
- X-Ray (blue zone): 01622 224741
- Peggy Wood breast screening: 01622 710185
- Peggy Wood breast symptomatic: 01722 225761
Radiology department: Tunbridge Wells Hospital
Based in level 0, orange zone
Opening hours: 8am to 8pm by appointment only
Contact us
- Interventional Radiology: 01892 633412
- MRI: telephone 01892 633057
- Nuclear Medicine (NM): 01892 634733
- Ultrasound: 01892 638497
- X-Ray: telephone 01892 6334068
West Kent Community Diagnostic Centre
Opening hours: 8am to 8pm by appointment only.
Address: Hermitage Court (off Hermitage Lane), Barming, ME16 9NT. You can download a map to help you find the centre.
There is free patient parking outside the centre, which is also close to Barming train station and local bus routes.
The following services are provided at Unit A, West Kent CDC:
- X-ray
- Ultrasound
- DEXA (bone density) scans
- Respiratory diagnostic tests
- Cardiac diagnostic tests
The following services take place at the Hounsfield Unit, West Kent CDC:
- MRI
- CT
- Phlebotomy (blood tests)
Visit the West Kent Community Diagnostic Centre page for more information.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
What can I expect from my appointment?
You can find out more about types of scans, how they are performed and what they are used for on the NHS website:
Please expect to be asked if there is a chance you could be pregnant
We are legally obliged to ask patients aged between 12-55 if there is a chance they could be pregnant before some examinations.
Please inform a member of staff if you think you may be pregnant.
Please also inform a member of staff if you are breastfeeding.
Your images and information may be anonymised and used for training and teaching purposes
We support improved patient care and research by processing patient information and images. All patient information is anonymised in this process.
If you could like to opt out of this, please notify your radiographer.
Gender identity and sexual orientation
Information about your gender identity or sexual orientation will only be recorded or shared with your consent. We are committed to ensuring that all patients are treated fairly and with respect.
Your examination may be carried out by a student radiographer
We are proud to have student radiographers as part of our team. Student radiographers only carry our examinations under the supervision of a qualified professional.
If you have concerns or do not want to have a student present during your examination, please notify a member of the team.
When and how will I get my results or report?
All reports and results will be sent back to the referring clinician. Please follow up with them if you have not heard anything within a few weeks.
How long will I wait for my appointment, and when do I need to follow up if I haven’t heard anything?
Appointment availability will vary per modality and imaging specialty.
If you have not heard anything in four weeks, please check with your referring clinician that the referral has been sent to us.
Do I need a pre-assessment or blood test?
Most imaging does not require a pre-assessment or blood test, but some scans and interventional procedures will. You will be contacted on an individual basis prior to your appointment.
Some blood tests may require you to visit the Phlebotomy department prior to your imaging. If this is the case, the Booking team will contact you with instructions on how to book.
What should I do if I have additional needs and am nervous about my appointment?
If you or someone you care for has been referred for an appointment and is nervous, please contact the team about visiting the appointment prior to your appointment if you think this will be helpful. This visit will give you the opportunity to look at the imaging equipment, see the environment and speak to the team.
We also offer paediatric scanning at some of our sites, and our teams can work with play specialists to help prepare your child prior to and during their scan.
We ask that you also contact us if you require us to accommodate any special educational or additional needs that may require extended appointment times, translator support, mobility or transport needs. We can facilitate longer appointment times where necessary and have named staff with enhanced skills to support individuals during appointments (subject to their availability). We can also arrange for easy-to-read leaflets, and most information to be translated into other languages.
Who will I see at my appointment?
Our Radiology departments are made up of a range of staff in different roles. You can use this uniform guide to identify different members of staff.
How can I leave feedback about my experience?
We welcome your feedback to help improve our services. You can submit your feedback via the NHS Friends and Family Test (FFT) under ‘Outpatients and Community Services’.
Can I bring my child with me to my appointment?
The Radiology Department is not able to care for children accompanying patients for imaging examinations. If you need to bring children with you to your appointment, please ensure you have someone with you to look after them.
Links
- The Royal College of Radiologists website provides further information and guidance.
- The Government website offers information on medical imaging and radiation doses.