I Have An Appiontment

When you arrive at Docklands Healthcare you will be greeted by one of our friendly reception team from either Blossoms Inn Medical Centre, Barbican Dental Care or London Bridge Hospital - Diagnostic Unit.

If you have an appointment to see a GP from Blossoms Inn:

If it is your first appointment you will be asked to fill in a simple registration sheet with your contact details and your doctor will come out to reception to greet you. Blossoms Inn usual appointments for a consultation with a doctor are 15 minutes long, although they can be for as long as you require - please let the receptionist know when you are booking the appointment.

Medical screening duration depends on the particular screening that is being undertaken: the receptionist will have full details available when you book the appointment.

If you have an appointment to see a dentist or hygienist from Barbican Dental Care:

If it is your first appointment with Barbican Dental Care we ask that you come in 5 minutes before your appointment time to fill in a short medical history form.  Your initial appointment is with the dentist and will take between 15 minutes and half an hour. If you would like to see the hygienist at the same time to have your teeth scaled and polished you can specify when calling and an appointment will then be made for half an hour directly after you have seen the dentist.

Any future appointments required will be made with the receptionist on the day.

If you have an appointment for a scan or x-ray from the Imaging department:

Your GP or Consultant has told you that you need to have an x-ray or scan. If you are arranging the appointment yourself you can speak to one of our reception staff and a convenient time will be arranged. When you call to make an appointment all of your contact details and insurance details will be taken including your policy number and authorisation number if you have them. If you do not have an authorisation number at the time of making the appointment, you will need to call your insurer to obtain one, to ensure that the costs will be covered. Docklands Healthcare only accepts UK based insurers unless you have a letter of guarantee stating that the cost will be covered in pounds sterling.

When you arrive at Docklands Healthcare you will be greeted and registered at reception. This will take no time at all if all of your details were taken at the appointment stage. The radiographers at Docklands Healthcare must have a signed request form or referral letter from your GP or Consultant as this lets the radiographer know what type of scan you need and gives any relevant clinical information. This may be arranged and sent to Docklands Healthcare through your GP/Consultant's secretary or you may have to bring it along with you. 

If you are coming to Docklands for an MRI scan you will also need to fill in a questionnaire about your medical history including whether you have any metal implants or a pacemaker, etc.  This is a medical requirement and you can not have an MRI scan until this form has been completed.

When all the necessary paperwork has been filled in, you will be taken to the Imaging department where a radiographer will greet you. If you are a self-pay patient you will be need to visit the accounts department first where you will need to pay for your scan.

If you have any questions or concerns at any stage, please don't hesitate to ask one of our members of staff. We understand that any medical procedure, no matter how routine, can be daunting and we will do our best to ensure that everything is clearly explained.

What is an X-Ray?

X-Rays belong to a group of waves called electromagnetic radiation (EMR). This group also contains light, radiowaves and microwaves. X-Rays are in the very high energy, very short wavelength part of the EMR spectrum. They are invisible, like radiowaves, but they enter the body's tissues, which makes them very useful for imaging of different parts of the body.

The process of using x-rays to produce images of the body and diagnose disease is called Diagnostic Radiography. A radiograph is created when X-Rays interact with the body's tissues to produce different shades of black and white on film. X-Rays can also be used to produce a live TV image of the body, this is called Fluoroscopy (this procedure is not performed at Docklands Healthcare but can be done at the main department at London Bridge Hospital). The person who takes the radiograph is the Radiographer. The doctor who reports the radiograph is called the Radiologist.

Radiographers and Radiologists must complete a long and comprehensive course before they qualify to practice. They are legally bound by strict UK and European regulations and have professional standards of work and conduct for which they have to register.

What is an MRI Scan?

MRI is the abbreviation for Magnetic Resonance Imaging and is a means of taking cross-sectional images in any plane of the body. These images are detailed and will clearly demonstrate the body's soft tissues such as muscles, nerves, spinal cord, intervertebral discs, cartilage, ligaments, etc. The MRI scanner produces these images by placing the patient within a strong magnetic field and then aiming a pulse of radiowaves into the body. The radiowaves are returned from the body and this signal is the basis for producing an image. This process is completely safe and involves no harmful radiation.

What your scan will involve:

Firstly, the radiographers will go through your questionnaire with you and they will be happy to answer any questions you have so you feel completely comfortable. Lockers are provided for the safe keeping of valuables, which are not allowed into the scan room.

The MRI scan usually lasts for approximately 30 minutes, depending on the area of the body that is being scanned. Sometimes pieces of equipment are placed around or strapped to parts of the body these are essential to keep the body part still and will not cause any discomfort.  During the scan it is vital to remain as still as possible as motion will lead to the images being blurred and the scan having to be repeated.  During the scan we will be in contact with you via an intercom system and if you are concerned for any reason you can contact us by using a panic button. Whilst scanning the machine makes a loud banging noise and we provide headphones to protect the ears and to allow communication.  If there is a particular CD you would like to listen too during the scan please bring this along and it can be played through the headphones for you.

Is everybody suitable for an MRI Scan?

Practically everyone is suitable for a MRI scan; however there are a few exceptions:

  • If you have a pacemaker.
  • If you are pregnant.
  • If you have an artificial heart valve (some are safe and others are not, we would need to check the type of valve you have)
  • If you have had intercranial aneurysm clips.
  • If you have had a metal foreign object within the eye, we would need to send you for x-rays of your orbits as a safety precaution so please allow extra time for this.
  • If you are extremely claustrophobic.

Having an ultrasound:

Ultrasound Examinations:

  1. Gynaecological (Pelvic)
  2. Abdominal
  3. Musculoskeletal

Ultrasound examinations are performed by a Radiologist and each Radiologist specialises in a certain type of scan. For this reason, it is important to make an appointment for the specific type of ultrasound you require so we can ensure we have the correct Radiologist on hand. There may also be some preparation required for certain types of scans.

Ultrasound scanning uses high frequency sound waves and the images are formed on the screen from echoes - reflected sounds waves. Ultrasound is a safe technique; therefore it is used for examining adults, children and babies.

1.      Gynaecological (pelvic) Ultrasound

This is an examination of your internal ovaries and womb using high frequency sound waves.

What happens?

Generally an internal scan will be performed. This is known as a Transvaginal scan (TV scan). The probe is covered with a sterile, protective sheath and the tip of the probe is inserted into the vagina. The procedure is generally easy and painless. This examination will not be performed on you if you have never had an internal examination before or are not sexually active, in which case a full bladder scan will be performed. All patients are chaperoned during this procedure.

2.      The Trans-Abdominal ( full bladder) Scan

Occasionally it may be necessary to perform the scan with your bladder full of fluid. If this is the case you will be asked to drink 1 litre (2 pints) of liquid, 1 hour before your scan and asked NOT go to the toilet. For this scan, a clear gel is applied to your skin; the probe is then passed over the area to be examined.

For other abdominal scans it is sometimes necessary for you not to have eaten anything for 6 hours prior to your scan but your consultant or GP will discuss this with you.

3.      Musculoskeletal Scan

No special preparation is required for this type of scan. A clear gel will be applied to your skin and the probe will be passed over the area to be examined.

Ultrasound scans usually takes 15 to 30 minutes and no special aftercare is required after having an ultrasound.

What is a Mammogram?

A mammogram is an x-ray of the breast or both breasts. At least 2 x-rays are taken of each breast, one from above and one from the side. In order to ensure an accurate and clear picture the breast tissue must be compressed firmly between two flat plates whilst the x-ray is being taken. The plate also rests against the chest wall as it is important to include all the breast tissue in the examination.  It is very important to bring any previous mammograms with you so that comparison can be made between the two mammograms.

You may also have an ultrasound examination if your clinician feels further information is required.

Note:On the day of the examination please do not use any talcum powder or underarm deodorant as these may show up on the x-rays.

Results

The result of your test will be sent to the doctor or consultant who referred you for the test. The results are normally sent off within 48 hours of the test being done.

We are unable to give you a result immediately, but you are welcome to discuss the outcome of the exam with the Radiologist if you have had an ultrasound. Radiographers and Administration Staff are legally NOT allowed to give any results to patients.