Self request chest x-ray
Chest x-rays are a useful way for us to find out if you have any problems with your lungs that might require treatment. You may find there is nothing to be concerned about and an x-ray could put your mind at rest, but if you do have a problem with your lungs that requires some treatment, such as lung cancer, finding it early can make it easier to treat.
To make access to chest x-rays simpler in Greater Manchester, some hospitals are offering self-request chest x-rays. This means eligible members of the public can drop in to some hospitals for a same day, drop-in chest x-ray.
What happens at a chest x-ray?
Watch our video to find out.
Who is eligible?
To get a chest x-ray you must meet the following criteria:
- Age 40 or over
- Experiencing one or more of the following symptoms for 3 or more weeks
- Cough
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain (If the only symptom needs to be smoker or ex-smoker)
- Weight loss
- Appetite loss
- Coughing up blood (If you are coughing up blood, please contact your GP urgently)
- You must not had a chest x-ray or CT scan of your chest in the last 3 months
- You must be registered with a GP in Stockport, Bury, Heywood, Middleton or Rochdale
- If you are registered to a GP in Stockport, you must attend for your x-ray at Stepping Hill Hospital.
- If you are registered to a GP in Bury, Heywood, Middleton or Rochdale, you can attend any of the other 4 centres.
Download a list of GP surgeries eligible for this service here
What to do if you don’t have a GP
If you aren’t registered with a GP, anybody can register for free in England. You do not need proof of address or immigration status, ID or an NHS Number.
For more details on how to register please visit www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/gps/how-to-register-with-a-gp-surgery/
You can also register at a GP practice in person.
How to get a chest x-ray
There are 5 walk-in centres in Greater Manchester where you can get a chest x-ray. Currently these centres are located in Stockport, Bury, Heywood, Middleton or Rochdale.
If you are registered to a GP in Stockport, you must attend for your x-ray at Stepping Hill Hospital. If you are registered to a GP in Bury, Heywood, Middleton or Rochdale, you can attend any of the other 4 centres.
If you are eligible, you do not need to book an appointment and you do not require a referral from a healthcare professional. Just turn up during opening hours highlighted below:
What will happen after my chest x-ray?
You will be given more information by healthcare staff when you attend for your chest x-ray, including a leaflet. Your results will be sent to you via letter.
If you have not received your results within 14 days, you should contact the Radiology department that you attended to check.