X-ray

An x-ray allows us to look through tissue to examine bones. It is a picture which is taken and viewed by specialists on a computer screen.

It can also diagnose conditions such as chest infections and broken bones. 

Why am I having an X-ray? 

X-ray examinations are used to:

• Help find out what is wrong with you 
• Check on progress of an illness or injury 
• Help carry out an internal procedure as part of your treatment 
• Provide your doctor with other clinical information

The healthcare team looking after you may have recommended that an X-ray will be of benefit to you, to help assist them in diagnosis. The results of the x-ray will help to decide whether further investigations are required or what treatment would be best for you. 

Making a referral through your GP

North Tees

We offer direct open access for GP referrals for chest x-rays within our state-of-the-art lung health department at the University Hospital of North Tees. Patients are invited to go directly to the lung health department for their chest x-ray between 9am and 4pm Monday to Friday.

Other plain film examinations are offered through a mix of direct access and appointments.

Hartlepool

The University Hospital of Hartlepool offers direct open access for all GP plain film requests 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday. Through this route, patients are invited to go direct to ‘x-ray 2’ rather than the main x-ray department.

Similarly, patients are also invited to go directly to the x-ray department within the One Life Centre in Hartlepool between the hours of 9am and 4pm.

Peterlee

Peterlee Urgent Care Centre offers direct open access for all GP plain film requests, 9am to 4pm, Monday to Friday and 10am to 3pm at weekends.

Tees Valley Community Diagnostic centre

Patients who have been referred for a plain film x-ray by their GP can also attend the new state-of-the-art Tees Valley Community Diagnostic Centre in Stockton Town Centre, between the hours of 8am and 4pm.