X-ray
You can now book your X-ray at a time that is convenient for you, using our online system.
An X-ray is a quick and painless test. They produce images of the inside of your body, like photos.
We have X-ray facilities at all of our hospital sites.
How to book an X-ray
Your GP will give you an X-ray request confirmation letter/form. You will need to bring this with you to your appointment or to your walk-in (for chest X-rays only).
Please bring the original X-ray request confirmation letter/form with you. We cannot accept digital/phone copies.
X-rays (not chest)
For X-rays (not chest) you need to book an X-ray appointment.
When you come for your appointment, you will need to bring the X-ray request confirmation letter/form with you.
Chest X-rays
For a chest X-ray, you can simply walk in to any of our X-ray departments during our opening hours. Check the X-ray opening hours
You will need to bring your X-ray request confirmation letter/form with you.
Book your X-ray (not chest) appointmentWe will send you an email/text reminder about your chosen appointment slot. You will also be able to amend your booking if you need to.
If you want help with booking your appointment online, a friend, carer or relative can do it for you.
Please note
It is important for you to make it known if you feel you may be pregnant before your appointment.
Useful resources
Frequently asked questions
Plain film radiography or X-ray examination is having an image taken of part of your body using X-rays. It will be rather similar to having an ordinary photograph taken. There is no special preparation for you.
Kent and Canterbury Hospital
Please report to the reception desk in the department upon arrival. This can be found by using the fracture clinic entrance and crossing the main corridor in the main building. You will be shown where to wait and staff will be informed of your arrival. If, after ten minutes a member of staff has not been to see you, please inform the receptionist.
William Harvey Hospital
Please report to the reception desk in X-ray upon arrival. This can be found behind the coffee shop in the main reception. You will be shown where to wait and staff in the department will be informed of your arrival. If, after ten minutes a member of staff has not been to see you, please inform the receptionist.
Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother Hospital
Please report to the reception desk in the Radiology department upon arrival. This is situated at the Ramsgate Road entrance which is at the rear of the Accident and Emergency department. You will be directed to the X-ray department where you can hand your form into the desk and take a seat until you are seen.
The doctor in charge of your case feels that an X-ray is required to provide important diagnostic information relevant to your case. Any queries regarding the necessity of the scan should be discussed with the requesting doctor.
The X-ray will be carried out by a radiographer, or a student radiographer under supervision. If you do not wish to have your X-ray done by a student, please inform the radiographer.
No special preparation is needed and you can continue to eat and drink as normal and take any prescribed medicines, unless we advise you otherwise. Leave any valuable possessions at home.
Please wear metal-free clothing if possible - this includes bras with metal eyes, and zips in skirts or trousers.
For a pelvis X-ray, please do not wear jeans.
Yes. If you would be more relaxed, a relative or friend can accompany you for your appointment but they will not be allowed into the examination room.
Please do not bring children to your own appointment as they cannot enter the X-ray room with you.
X-rays for your child
Parents may be present in the examination room when their children are being X-rayed. If unsure, please speak with a member of the Radiography team before your appointment.
Children over 8 years of age may be asked if they are happy to have their X-ray without their parent or guardian, but this is not compulsory.
Children over 12 years of age will be asked to have their X-ray without their parent or guardian, and this is encouraged.
You may be required to lie on a special X-ray examination table or stand against an X-ray stand. You will be asked to keep the part being examined quite still or to hold your breath for a moment while the X-ray film is taken. The area under examination will be positioned by the Radiographer as there are specific views required for each part of the body.
After the X-ray examination you will be free to leave immediately.
The actual examination will take no longer than 10 minutes.
After the scan, the images will be examined by the Radiologist or Advanced Practitioner Radiographer who will prepare a report on his/her findings. This may take some time to reach your referring doctor, but is normally within ten days.