Medical Imaging

As a tertiary referral hospital, medical imaging at the Townsville University Hospital is a vital clinical service. The professional, patient-focussed team in medical imaging provide an efficient, high-quality diagnostic imaging service to the North Queensland community. Our team is committed to continual improvement through education, research and systematic enhancements. 

MID is organised into six clinical modalities/teams:

• General X-ray
• CT scanning
• MRI
• Ultrasound
• Nuclear medicine and PET
• Interventional radiology and procedures

Each area is coordinated by specialist radiographers, nurses and radiologists, supported by our operational and administrative staff.

Hours of Service

Our service operates:

• 24 hours, seven days a week for emergency imaging
• High-demand specialist imaging seven days: CT, X-ray, MRI and ultrasound
• Routine imaging services are available from 8:00am-5:00pm Monday to Friday

Digital health records

Our team provides the hub for digital image services. The system is linked to private and public facilities across Queensland, allowing the digital transfer of images and results to and from linked facilities. Digital information is transferable via networks or on portable media.

Imaging Referrals

Requests for imaging are provided by your treating medical teams and are required for all imaging services.

Our medical and health professional teams work with the referring medical staff to provide the most appropriate imaging for each patient’s condition.

• All hospital-generated requests are made electronically via your medical record
• External (to TTH) requests from your GP or specialist may be on paper

Imaging requests require sign off by an authorised health professional, and must include the following information:

• Appropriate clinical history
• Information indicating the clinical question and examination desired
• Contact details allowing radiological consultation or follow up (when required)

Note: some imaging equipment may have restrictions on patient body builds. If there is any concern, please call medical imaging for information.

Legislation requires fully completed referrals to ensure

• radiation dose minimisation
• the most appropriate examination is performed, and results obtained

Radiation Safety and Quality

Medical imaging uses radiation and complex technology to acquire valuable clinical information. Stringent radiation safety standards are managed and applied to ensure safe practice to individuals and the broader community. Evidence-based principles and quality frameworks support our operational performance.

Feedback

Your feedback enables service improvements - please take the opportunity to provide feedback about your experience with our service.

How to make an appointment

No appointment required - plain x-rays - e.g. chest or extremity x-rays

• Simply present to our reception desk with your original request form between 7:30am to 5:00pm Monday to Friday.

Appointment required - All other examinations – e.g. CT, MRI, ultrasound and nuclear medicine

• Phone 4433 1500 or present to reception with your referral/request form to arrange an appointment
• Patients may be required to complete a questionnaire (safety) or have preliminary images taken prior to an appointment
• A patient or support person may be required to collect specific examination preparations and instructions relevant to the appointment prior to the examination day
• For some imaging examinations you may wish to consider arranging a support person or clinical chaperone