Radiology

Radiology imaging is used to look inside the body, to help identify and treat illness and injury.

This includes X-Rays, mammograms, CT, MRI ultrasound, and nuclear medicine scans and fluoroscopy and angiography

Radiology procedures help us:

• diagnose cancer and other diseases
• show the extent of injury to parts of the body
• to guide interventional procedures, such as angiography (an imaging test that uses X-rays to view your body’s blood vessels).

You need to be referred to our service by a medical doctor.

You will usually be referred by other services in our hospitals, if clinicians feel imaging services would help identify or treat your condition. Occasionally your GP will refer you.

Do I need to do anything to prepare for my appointment?

Please read your appointment letter carefully as this will tell you if there is anything you need to do before your appointment in radiology.

Do I need to bring anything?

No, our service will have access to your medical records if your accident was in the Wellington region. Please ensure you bring your glasses or hearing aids if required. You are welcome to bring a family/whānau member with you to your appointment. We also have access to sign language and language interpreters if this is required. Please let us know if you need these when you make your initial booking.

How can I access my radiology images?

During your visit to Radiology you may meet:

• Medical Imaging Technologists (MITs) also known as Radiographers perform your X-ray and mammography examinations.
• Sonographers perform your ultrasound examinations.
• Nuclear medicine Technologists – perform Nuclear medicine examinations
• Radiologists are specialist doctors who read and interpret images taken in the radiology department.  They interpret the results of the images and send these results to your doctor. Most of the time this is done behind the scenes, but for some appointments a radiologist will be the person who takes the images.
• Interventional Radiologists are specialist doctors who perform procedures under image guidance. For example Angiography or Biopsy
• Radiology Nurses are trained in providing treatment, support and care to patients undergoing radiological procedures.
• Radiology Assistants provide general support and assistance to patients and other radiology staff.

There are radiology facilities at Wellington Regional Hospital and Kenepuru Community Hospital.