Radiology referral: Walk-in for chest imaging (Guidelines)

Audience

• North Highland only
• Primary Care only
• Adults and Children

Primary Care:

1. Refer via SCI gateway.

• We do NOT accept handwritten referrals.
  This ensures that all demographics are filled in appropriately, clinical is legible and allows radiographers time to address any potential issues prior to patient arrival.
• We do NOT accept patients presenting without being referred first. 
  In the event that imaging requests are not received on SCI Gateway prior to patient attendance, the patient will be asked to make contact with the practice to discuss and arrange. Unfortunately, we have limited resource at reception who are dealing with a variety of demands.

2. Mark the referrals "Urgent" and in the 'Examination requested' box note: “Chest X-ray: GP walk-in Service”

• This enables radiology staff the ability to differentiate these requests from all other SCI Gateway requests.

3. Complete referrals at the earliest opportunity

• To ensure no delay in admin processes prior to the patient attendance.

There are 2 dedicated imaging windows for patients to attend the chest walk-in service. This ensures that all visitors to the department are kept safe and to allow the most efficient service.

• Monday to Friday 9am to 10am & 2pm to 3pm.

Any patients failing to attend in the 7 day period will be appointed in order so that they are not delayed in diagnosis.
(Previously we held imaging requests for a maximum of 7 days, if the patient failed to attend in this time frame the requests were returned to the referring practice with a cover letter). 

Radiology service:

Patient demographics should be checked on RIS (Radiology Information System) by reception staff to book from pending. If there is no request within pending, SCI Gateway should be searched and request printed from this source.