Page contents
About this service
Clinical Imaging is featured in nearly every patient’s healthcare journey, whether as part of a screening or prevention programme, an x-ray to investigate a suspected broken bone, an ultrasound or to guide treatment or procedures.
We use highly specialist equipment to provide a range of procedures, including:
- Bowel Imaging, as part of the NHS programme and also for patients who have been referred by their clinician.
- Breast imaging. Screening as part of the NHS programme and when patients are referred by their GP.
- Computed Tomography (CT) scans to look at organs and soft tissue.
- DEXA Bone density scans to assess the risk of fracture.
- Fluoroscopy, which uses x-rays to produce a video to look at the body in ‘real-time’ for example bowel movements or swallowing assessments.
- Interventional Radiology is used for image-guided treatments, such as angioplasty or stents, which are less invasive than traditional surgery.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses strong magnetic fields to take detailed pictures of organs and soft tissue.
- Nuclear Medicine uses a radioactive injection (tracers) to look at the structure or function of parts of the body.
- Trauma, Acute and General X-ray to look at bones and soft tissues.
- Ultrasound to take sonar images of the body. Ultrasound is used for a wide range of conditions, including pregnancy scans.
- Vascular & Cardiac Imaging to diagnose and treat various cardiovascular conditions.
How we store our images
All images obtained are securely stored on our centralised Picture Archive Communications System (PACS). Using our image exchange portal (IEP), the Clinical Imaging team is able to transmit and receive images from further afield. This secure system means that colleagues in hospitals and out in the community can instantly access our images and specialist reports. This service means we can avoid delays and unnecessary repeated procedures.
Imaging Children
We know that x-rays and imaging can be a daunting experience for children, but our team is experienced at putting them at ease. Your child is welcome to bring along a toy or comforter and our friendly team will explain exactly what’s going to happen when they have their special picture taken. We also have certificates and stickers at the ready for after they have been brave!
Policies and forms
Contact information
We have facilities at the three Royal Cornwall Hospitals sites in Truro, Hayle and Penzance, and in eight of the county’s community hospitals.
- Telephone: 01872 252290
To make, change or cancel an appointment
| Type of appointment | Telephone number |
|---|---|
| CT Scans | 01872 252290 |
| MRI | 01872 252290 |
| X-Ray | 01736 758851 or 01736 874233 |
| Ultrasound | 01736 874230 or 01872 252290 |
| At the Mermaid Centre for Breast Imaging and Surgical Outpatients | 01872 252880 |
| Nuclear Medicine | 01872 252330 |
If you have a query or are running late for an appointment, please contact the relevant local facility
| Location | Services | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Royal Cornwall Hospital | Ultrasound and CT department reception | 01872 255181 |
| Mermaid Centre reception at Royal Cornwall Hospital | Breast Screening and Mammogram | 01872 252880 |
| West Cornwall Hospital | X-ray CT Ultrasound | 01736 874233 or 01736 874230 |
| St Michael’s Hospital | X-ray | 01736 758851 |
| Bodmin Hospital | X-ray | 01208 251576 |
| Bodmin Hospital | Ultrasound | 01208 251320 |
| Camborne Redruth Community Hospital | X-ray Ultrasound | 01209 318015 |
| Falmouth Hospital | X-ray | 01326 430013 |
| Helston Hospital | Ultrasound | 01736 874230 or 01872 252290 |
| Newquay Hospital | X-ray | 01637 834822 |
| St Austell Hospital | X-ray Ultrasound | 01726 873005 |
| Stratton Hospital, Bude | X-ray | 01288 320109 |
| St Mary’s Hospital, Isles of Scilly (Open once a week on a Wednesday) | X-ray | 01720 422392 |
Where to find us
We have many locations for our imaging services. You will find directions in your appointment letter. Please read the letter carefully before attending your appointment, as each appointment varies and you may have to do specific preparations such as fasting, or coming 30 minutes early for preparation.
If you come to the hospital for an imaging appointment and get lost, please speak to our main reception who will help you find your appointment location.
Information about clinical imaging scans
This content is supplied by the NHS website nhs.uk
Biopsy
Bone density scan (DEXA scan)
Breast screening (Mammogram)
CT scan
MRI scan
Positron emission tomography (PET scan)
Ultrasound scan
X-ray
You can find more information about radiation and the risks and benefits here:
- Patient leaflet on the benefits and risks of radiation
- Benefits and Risks of Radiation – Cardiac Imaging
- Benefits and Risks of Radiation – CT Scans
- Benefits and Risks of Radiation – Fluoroscopy and Interventional Radiography
- Benefits and Risks of Radiation – Nuclear Medicine Scans
- Benefits and Risks of Radiation – Mammography
- Benefits and Risks of Radiation – X-rays
- UK Health Security Agency – Ionising Radiation and You
Patient Information (Leaflets)
Professional careers in imaging
Click here to find out more about careers in imaging, or see the Trust’s current vacancies on our careers website.
Page last reviewed: 9 May 2023
