Imaging Services

The Imaging Services department is responsible for the provision of all diagnostic imaging within the hospital. In addition to the plain X-ray, we also provide CT scanning, MRI, Ultrasound, Digital Mammography and Nuclear Medicine (radionuclide scanning) services. All of these methods use different techniques to look at the body, be it the use of sound waves as in Ultrasound or by a strong magnetic field and radio frequency generation as in MRI. Please see the individual links to information regarding these specialist services.

London Bridge Hospital is proud to introduce the newest additon to the Hospital's Group MRI Services:

The Siemens Essenza 1.5T magnet, which is worth £457,500, will compliment the existing scanners within the London Bridge Group. The Essenza at London Bridge is the first scanner of it's kind in the UK and is a very patient friendly  design. The aim of this service is to allow us to offer rapid access to MRI scanning within the group, with same day appointments available in many cases.

All services are provided by qualified and registered Radiographers or Nuclear Medicine Technologists. All staff are encouraged to participate in a continuing education programme to ensure that the department remains at the forefront of imaging development.

Services available in the Imaging Services department include:

• Bone Densitometry (DEXA)
• CT Scanning
• Digital Mammography
• Fibroscan
• MRI
• Nuclear Medicine
• Ultrasound 
• Interventional Radiology

Interventional Radiology (IR) is a clinical modality that makes use of imaging guidance for the performance of minimally invasive treatment. The development of new imaging technologies and interventional devices has greatly increased the number of medical conditions that can now be treated by IR. Promising new treatments in tumour and cancer therapy, the treatment of fibroids, venous access, and spine interventions as well as advances in noninvasive vascular imaging, pharmacological therapies and peripheral arterial and venous interventions are providing exciting opportunities for interventional radiology, attracting significant patient interest and promising tremendous public benefit.

Interventional procedures are available including:

• Angiography – noninvasive vascular imaging
• Angioplasty - both cardiac and non cardiac
• Aortic Stentgrafts
• Barium Studies
• Embolizations
• Gastrointestinal Interventions
• Guided biopsy
• Interventional Sialography
• Percutaneous biopsy and drainage procedures
• Peripheral Vascular Interventions
• Spine Interventions
• Tumour ablation
• Uterine artery embolization

  Uterine artery embolization (UAE) is now a well-established uterus-conserving treatment for symptomatic fibroids which is performed by interventional radiologists. It treats all the fibroids, is minimally invasive and needs only a one-night hospital admission. The majority of women are suitable for the treatment and symptoms are alleviated in 85-90% of patients.

  Click here for further information on Fibroid Embolization

• Varicocoele embolisation  
• Venous Access

The hospital also has a diagnostic imaging centre in Canary Wharf (E14), 31 Old Broad Street and City of London Medical Centre.

The imaging services department provides a wide range of diagnostic services. All x-rays are reported by a Consultant Radiologist. Individual Radiologists are available for a range of specialties;including Neurology, Renal and Orthopaedics. Examinations are available, and reported, within 24 hours and often on the same day.