Medical Imaging - Royal North Shore Hospital

RNSH Medical imaging strive to provide our community with access to advance diagnostic and interventional services.

Royal North Shore Hospital Medical Imaging and Nuclear Medicine Department offers:

• Digital X-ray
• Digital fluoroscopy 
• Ultrasound 
• CT 
• MRI 
• Interventional radiology including joint and spine Injections, biopsies, drainages, central venous access, and Digital Subtraction Angiography (DSA)
• Nuclear Medicine
• PET (Positron Emission Tomography)

For further information, patient information can be found on the Agency for Clinical Innovations (ACI) website:

• CT scans with or without contrast
• MRI scan
• MRI with gadolinium-based contrast injections
• Neuroendocrine Services – Lutate services

• Your Medicare/DVA Card
• Your original request form from your referrer, regardless of whether we have received a fax or email copy of the form.
• Prior Imaging examinations performed elsewhere.
• Recent blood test results if you are having a CT or MRI.
• A list of your current medications, and enough supply for your day with us.
• If you are having a procedure during your visit, please be accompanied to and from hospital and have someone stay overnight with you after the procedure.

Preparation

• X-rays - please wear light and comfortable clothes. Metallic items that are in the X-ray field of view should be removed prior to imaging.
• Ultrasound and CT - you will be informed of any preparation required when you make your appointment and at the time of your examination.
• MRI - uses strong magnetic fields and therefore may interact with metal and magnetic objects (for example, credit cards). You will be sent a safety questionnaire to be completed and returned prior to the allocation of an appointment.
• Interventional Radiology - you will be given specific instructions for your examination, i.e. fasting requirements, ceasing of regular medications, e.g. blood thinners, and arrival time, via phone the afternoon prior to your appointment.
• Nuclear Medicine - you will be given specific instructions for your examination such as fasting, stopping some medications and arrival time, via phone or email the afternoon prior to your appointment
• PET – you will be given specific instructions for your examination such as fasting requirements and arrival time, via phone the afternoon prior to your appointment

Please note that for some modalities (i.e. MRI), a referral from a specialist is expected.

If your care relates to an emergency medical situation, call triple zero (000) and ask for an ambulance. 

You may need to go to ED for these severe or urgent conditions:

• Heart attack or stroke
• Severe pain
• Problems with breathing or bleeding
• Loss of consciousness or unexplained fitting
• Allergic reactions
• Severe mental health concern

Out of NSLHD referrals: 

• Reason must be stated explicitly
• Resident of other LHD that does not provide the clinical service 
• Continuing care of existing condition already managed by NSLHD 
• Demonstrated complexity requiring services of NSLHD 
• Compassionate circumstances, e.g. family, proximity, staff 

Referring Clinician information

The following information must be included for referral to be accepted:

• Relevant and accurate Clinical History

Providing more information will aid the triage process and make it more likely that your patient will be seen in the timeliest manner possible. Referrals will be triaged and your patient will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible.

Please be patient as this process may take between 1-4 weeks. You will be contacted if more information is needed. 

Medical Imaging FAQ

Will I be under the care of an anaesthetist for my procedure?

Depending on the procedure, you may receive a general anaesthetic or heavy sedation under the care of an anaesthetic team. Some other minor procedures are well tolerated with local anaesthetic, or the administration of light sedation led by our nursing team. These options will be discussed prior to your procedure.

I have claustrophobia. Will I be given something to manage my anxiety?

Our MRI team can offer oral benzodiazepines as an option. To assist us to evaluate your sedative requirements, you will be provided with a questionnaire to complete. Further information can be provided by our friendly MRI staff.