CT, MRI, Ultrasound and X-ray in Blackburn

The Beardwood Hospital offers patients fast access to a range of imaging procedures to help diagnose a range of issues.

The department is led by Elizabeth Barker, Clinical Services Manager for Imaging, and our experienced imaging staff are registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC). The department is also registered with Health and Safety Executive for new radiation regulations. The team of specialist Radiographers are supported by imaging assistants to ensure the smooth running of the department.

The department is supported by a team of experienced Consultant Radiologists who report procedures within their specialised field and perform examinations i.e. Ultrasounds.

Available procedures

We offer generalised and specialist imaging services, including: 

General X-rays

We offer a wide range of plain field imaging for specialities such as orthopaedics, pain management, neurology, rheumatology and oncology. We provide imaging support within a theatre and post-operatively on the ward.

*If you are, or there is a possibility you may be, pregnant please tell the radiographer before your scan.

Ultrasound

We offer a full range of ultrasound examinations including:

• MSK
• General surgery/rena
• Gynaecology
• Vascular including mapping prior to surgery
• Breast

Procedures carried out in the department under Ultrasound include:

• Guided injections
• Fine needle aspirations
• Biopsies including breast and liver

*If you are, or there is a possibility you may be, pregnant please tell the radiographer before your scan.

Mammography

We offer full field digital mammography for breast screening, including tomosynthesis (3D breast imaging).

MRI scanner

Our new standalone department is located at the rear of the hospital. The MRI scanner uses a 1.5 Tesla wide boar magnet, and the scanner is 10 cm wider than a normal MRI scanner. This offers a more comfortable patient experience by reducing feelings of claustrophobia whilst in the scanner.

A full range of examinations are undertaken at site including:

• MSK
• Breast
• Neuro including memory services
• Cardiac

*If you are, or there is a possibility you may be, pregnant please tell the radiographer before your scan.

CT scanner

The department is home to a 64-slice CT scanner. It offers a low dose radiation technique for a full range of imaging, including CT colons and cardiac scans.

*If you are, or there is a possibility you may be, pregnant please tell the radiographer before your scan.

Other tests

Other diagnostic tests can be arranged at other sites as a private patient, for example:

• Nuclear medicine scanning
• Bone density scans
• Cardiac intervention
• Vascular intervention
• PET scans
• Nerve conduction studies

Reports

Examinations such as ultrasound, are consultant-led. You may receive a verbal report on the day if this is possible. The reports are sent to your referring GP or consultant, and they will then be able to discuss the findings and how this affects your onward management.

Patient comments

“Because the staff were kind and patient when settling me, and the experience was not as nerve wracking as I had expected. Thank you.”

“The whole process has been fantastic. The MRI technician was very helpful and put me at ease.”

Opening times:

X-ray: Monday – Friday 8.30am – 5.30pm

MRI: Monday – Friday 8.00am – 6.00pm

CT: Monday – Friday 8.00am – 6.00pm (varies on a weekly basis)

Making an appointment

For all private imaging services we work with all major private medical insurers. We also offer competitive rates of Self Pay prices and our staff will discuss this prior to your appointment being arranged so you have an informed choice to make.

The department requires a referral from GP or Consultants with full clinical details prior to booking an appointment. This is to comply with legislation and so the clinical team can advise on the best modality for your condition and accurate pricing for Self Pay patients.