Radiology - X-ray

Last updated: Thursday 15 May 2025

General introduction

An X-ray is a form of ionising radiation used to produce 2D images of 3D structures within the body.

We all receive radiation every day from the environment, our food and even space. You receive a small amount of this radiation during an X-ray of which the associated risk of harm is very low. 

No special preparation is usually required. You can eat and drink anything beforehand unless told otherwise.

You may be asked to remove any metal from the area being X-rayed, such as bras with an underwire, clothing with zips, and any jewellery. 

Most X-ray examinations only take a few minutes from when you are called into the room. If you are having multiple X-rays this can take longer as you will be repositioned for each X-ray. 

Please note we provide a walk-in X-ray service for imaging of patients referred for film X-rays by their GP. Details of opening times and locations are in the How to access the service section.

How to access this service

We see a range of patients from GP surgeries, Emergency Department (A&E), hospital outpatient clinics and inpatient wards.

GP referrals: 

We provide a walk-in X-ray service for imaging of patients referred for  film X-rays by their GP at:

  • Warrington Hospital, Radiology Department: Monday to Friday, 08.30am to 11.30am and 1pm to 4.30pm

  • Halton Hospital Captain Sir Tom Moore Building, Radiology Department: Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 11.30am and 1pm to 4.30pm

No appointment is necessary – patients may attend either site at their convenience during the above hours once a GP referral has been made.

 Emergency Department (Accident and Emergency), Warrington Hospital

There are two digital radiography rooms in our Emergency Department and a radiographer available 24 hours, seven days a week.

Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC),  Runcorn

There is one digital radiography X-ray room available to UTC and hospital outpatient clinics daily from 8am to 9pm.

About the team

While you visit the Radiology Department you may meet staff from the administration and clerical team, radiographers, assistant practitioners (APs), sonographers/vascular scientists, nurses, radiologists, radiology department assistants (RDAs), porters and student radiographers. The Diagnostic Imaging Systems Team are also working in the background.

Useful information

There may be an occasion when your X-ray is not done when you arrive; the radiographer will speak to you and advise you on the next steps as another test may be more appropriate.

If you visit the Urgent Treatment Centre at Runcorn and require an X-ray between 9pm and 8am, you may be asked to travel to Warrington Emergency Department (also known as Accident and Emergency) or return to the Urgent Treatment Centre during the X-ray Department opening hours.

GP patients please note that the radiographer is unable to tell you about the results on the day. After your X-ray is taken it is reviewed and a written report is sent to your GP. This can take up to two weeks. Your GP may contact you with the results but if you don’t hear within two weeks please contact your GP practice. 


Contact Us

Telephone

01925 662449

We provide this service at