Radiology

Waiting times

Up to date waiting times can be found below.

Working together, and benefitting from state-of-the-art technology, we aim to provide our patients with the very best in diagnostic and interventional imaging services.

Radiology services

University Hospitals Dorset provide a wide range of radiology services across their three hospitals, including:

• radionuclide imaging
• CT (computed tomography) scans
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scans
• mammography (breast-screening)
• ultrasound
• X-ray (plain imaging)
• nuclear medicine
• vascular ultrasound
• clinical measurement
• Medical Physics
• Cardiac Investigation Unit
• Dental and Orthodontic Imaging
• DEXA. (Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry)
• Fluoroscopy
• Interventional Radiology
• PET/CT (Positron Emission Tomography / Computed Tomography)

Please note, not all of the above services are available at each hospital.

As of 11 March 2025, CT and X-ray services for the Royal Bournemouth's Emergency Department, and some inpatients, will move to the new facilities in the BEACH Building.

Useful contacts at Poole Hospital:

• Radiology reception: 0300 019 2256
• General ultrasound appointments: 0300 019 2161
• Obstetric ultrasound: 0300 019 2704
• Nuclear medicine: 0300 019 2499
• MRI scan appointments / reception: 0300 019 8506/2005
• CT scan appointments: 0300 019 8284
• X-ray (GP appointments): 0300 019 8606
• X-ray (barium/fluoroscopy appointments): 0300 019 8002
• Dorset Breast Screening: 01202 665511. Option 2
• Private patients radiology: 0300 019 8192

Useful contacts for the Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch hospitals:

• X-ray: 0300 019 4107
• Ultrasound: 0300 019 4512
• CT: 0300 019 4247
• MRI: 0300 019 4993
• DEXA: 0300 019 4124
• Clinical Measurement: 0300 019 4569

Referrals

All of the above services require a recognised clinical referral and an agreed appointment date and time.

The only exceptions to this are:

• Patients who have been given a referral form by their GP for a chest X–ray
• Patients who have been given a referral form by their GP to rule out a broken bone (also known as a fracture)

In the above cases, patients can self present to the X-Ray department at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital. Please call the relevent X-ray department to obtain opening hours.

For all other X-ray referrals, please make an appointment. Please be aware that due to the unpredictable nature of a "walk–in" service, there is sometimes a short wait during busy times.