Computerised tomography scans (CT or CAT scan) use computers and rotating X-ray machines to create 3D images of your body. These detailed images can show soft tissues, blood vessels, and bones in various parts of the body.

CT provides diagnostic imaging and treatments for people, in emergencies and as non-urgent booked appointments.

About this service

We perform CT scans for the head, chest, body and limbs.

We also provide 24 hours a day, 7 days a week services for emergencies such as stroke.

We can also provide CT services at the Weston Creek Imaging Service for referrals from General Practitioners and Specialists. This service is located at the Weston Creek Community Health Centre.

CT scans are also provided as part of North Canberra Hospital’s Medical Imaging service.

Who we care for

We perform CT scanning of people in:

• The emergency department
• Inpatients (people who are admitted to hospital)
• Outpatients:
  • people who are only visiting the hospital and have a referral from a doctor for a scan or CT guided procedure
  • people aged 16 years and over who have a referral from a doctor or specialist and who can use the Weston Creek Imaging Service because they have been assessed as suitable.

Everyone can access CT services with a doctor’s referral.

How to access this service

You need a doctor’s referral to have a CT scan. You, or your doctor, can send us your referral by:

• Fax: (02) 5124 2494
• Email: Medical.Imaging@act.gov.au
• Mail: Medical Imaging Department, Canberra Hospital, PO Box 11, Woden ACT 2606
• You can drop it in to the CT reception or the Medical Imaging reception at Canberra Hospital.

We will contact you to book your scan once we have received your referral.

If you are an inpatient or a patient in the emergency department, your treating doctor will arrange for you to access this service.

If you need to contact us, our phone number is (02) 5124 2159.

What to expect

We prioritise life-threatening emergencies. This can increase wait times for people requiring less urgent scans.

Our staff will call you to confirm your appointment as the appointment date approaches. We will give you any specific instructions for your appointment.

You may need to be given a needle so we can give you contrast into your veins during the scan; this depends on the type of scan you require.

You may also be required to arrive early to have a specific drink before the scan, depending on what scan you are having. Our staff will advise you of this when they confirm your appointment.

What to bring to your appointment

• Medicare card
• Any letters or correspondence from your GP
• Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
• Private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
• List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
• Your child’s personal health record (Blue Book) if applicable

Where we’re located

Canberra Hospital

Medical Imaging, Building 12, Level 2, Canberra Hospital.

From the main entrance, head to Building 1, go past the lifts and follow the Blue Line on the floor to the Medical Imaging Reception.

We have directions to Canberra Hospital.

Weston Creek

The Weston Creek Imaging Service is located at the Weston Creek Community Health Centre.

It is open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except public holidays.

You can check in for your medical imaging appointment at the reception desk. You will see this when you enter the building.

We have directions to Weston Creek Community Health Centre.

Resources

For more information about your procedure, visit www.insideradiology.com.au