Paediatric Radiology in NHS Lothian is predominately in the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) on the Little France site in Edinburgh. Some imaging is also performed at St John’s Hospital (SJH) in Livingston for West Lothian patients.
Primary Care clinicians can refer to Clinical Radiology at the RHCYP or SJH via SCI Gateway for Plain Films and Ultrasound using the pathways below. Please note these services are for children and young people only (Aged 0 to 16). From their 16th birthday onwards, referral should be to Adult Radiology Services.
Referral for X-rays are governed by Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2018 (IRMER) and adherence is the responsibility of the referrer.
There is helpful information on the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) webpage that can be shared with Patients/Carers, including information explaining Scans and X-rays.
The Minor Injuries Unit at the Western General Hospital also sees children older than 1 year. However, they can only X-ray children who are 12 years old and above (10 years and above for a wrist). Appointments can be made by phoning 111.
Radiology Advice for Referring HCPs
If a Primary Care referrer has a query about a specific Radiology report, they can contact the Radiologist named on report directly. Relevant email addresses can be found in the Email Directory.
If a Primary Care referrer wants to discuss a referral to Radiology before making a referral (e.g. if indicated) they can get advice from Paediatric Radiology via the following route:
- Phone the RHCYP Imaging Reception (0131 312 0880) and ask for the duty radiologist
J.B. & R.K. 12-12-24
For all Radiology requests: Referrers accept responsibility for dealing with the result(s) and informing the patient as necessary.
How to refer:
Plain Films
All X-ray requests need to be scheduled in by the patient/carer phoning the department. The phone number for RHCYP to arrange this is 0131 312 0880 (Monday to Friday 08:30 to 16:00). The phone number for St John’s Hospital is 01506 524 339 or 01506 524 350 (Monday to Friday 08:30 to 16:00).
Please remember:
- The electronic referral MUST be made before a patient/carer phones for an appointment.
- The referrer must select the correct priority (Routine or Urgent) on the electronic referral before it can be sent.
- Please ask the patient/carer to wait ONE WORKING DAY after submission of a referral before phoning for an appointment, to allow Radiology to vet all referrals in accordance with IRMER rules.
- Patients MUST phone the department to arrange an appointment, they should not present themselves to imaging departments.
The electronic referral pathway for RHCYP Plain X-ray is:
- SCI Gateway: RHCYP >> Clinical Radiology >> LI Radiology Plain X-Ray
Ultrasound
The electronic referral pathway for RHCYP Ultrasound is:
- SCI Gateway: RHCYP >> Clinical Radiology >> LI Radiology – Ultrasound
Please remember that for Ultrasound, the patient/carer does not contact the department to arrange an appointment, and will be contacted directly by the department (usually by post) with an appointment time.
