Why you have been referred to the RDS?

You have seen your GP with vague symptoms. Many common conditions can cause these symptoms. But in a small number of cases these symptoms could be a sign of cancer. That’s why you have been referred to RDS, to make sure it’s not a possible cancer.
This is an urgent service. So you will be offered an appointment at one of the radiology departments as soon as possible. This is usually within ten days of us receiving your referral. The appointment could be for a number of different tests, including chest X-ray, ultrasound scan or CT.

How to get to the RDS?

See also: Getting to our hospitals

If you cannot use public transport, drive or arrange transport, you may be able to use the ambulance service.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust gives non-emergency patient transport for people who are unable to travel by other means. For example, due to their medical condition, or need regular treatment such as chemotherapy or renal dialysis. You will be asked a series of questions that will be used to find out whether you meet the criteria. Please only book a journey that is necessary. If you’re able to travel with a friend or family member, or use of public transport, please do so.
To book contact Yorkshire Ambulance Service (YAS) on 03003 302000 (8.00am – 6.00pm)

For North East, East and West Lincolnshire patients, please call Thames Ambulance Service (TASL) on 08081 643786
Please note that due to high demand delays can happen. TASL is only suitable for morning appointments, or afternoon appointments before 3.00pm. Please rearrange your appointment time if necessary.

What will happen at your RDS appointment?

Before you arrive at the clinic, we will ask you some questions to check for possible COVID-19 infection.
You will also get a telephone call from the department. A member of the RDS team will go through a series of questions with you too.
On the day you arrive at the clinic, we will take precautions to minimise COVID-19 risks. For example: temperature check, hand sanitiser and face masks. Staff in the clinic will be wearing personal protective equipment such as gloves, apron and face mask.

When you arrive in the department you will be weighed, so that there is an accurate record of your weight. This can help to work out if you have lost or gained weight between appointments. After you have filled out the questionnaire, you will be called into the ultrasound room. The sonographer may ask some more questions based on the answers you gave before. You will then be given an ultrasound scan, and then a chest X-ray. Then the radiographer may also ask you some more questions based on the answers you gave before. Once you’ve had both tests, you can eat and drink as normal.
If you have any concerns or questions after your appointment, call us on 01482 624034

If we can’t identify the cause for your symptoms, you may be referred back to your GP.
We may use some of your recorded data for audit or research projects to improve our service. At the time of your appointment you may be asked to consent for a research project. If so, we’ll give you more information at the time.

How to change or cancel an appointment?

Your GP believes that your symptoms need to be investigated urgently. So it is important that you are flexible and make every effort to come to the appointment you are given. However, if you are unable to make your appointment slot, please call us on 01482 624034
If you have any planned holidays, or any reason you can’t make your appointment, please let us know now. Then we’ll be able to rearrange your future appointments. Please always let us know if you cannot come to your appointment so that someone else can use the slot.

How to prepare for your appointment?

Before your appointment:

  • Please bring a list of your current medication to your appointment
  • You will need to fast for 6 hours before your ultrasound scan
    • This means no food and no drinks with milk in (water, black tea or black coffee are allowed)
  • You will also need to come to the scan with a full bladder
  • Please wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing so it does not need to be removed
  • The team will give you instructions for any specific investigations at the time your appointment is confirmed

After your appointment:

  • All your investigations will be looked at by a consultant radiologist
  • They will give a detailed report to your GP
  • Occasionally they will arrange extra scans or referrals to other specialists.
    If this is needed, we will give you a phone call, but please don’t be alarmed. Sometimes the scans cannot get good views of your internal organs. So we’ll use a different scan to get around any problem.
  • Please contact your GP about 10 days after your scan to talk through all your investigations
  • If you have any questions after your appointment, please call us on 01482 624034
  • Patient feedback is important to us. After your appointment, we may contact you to give feedback on your experience to help us improve the service.