Care Opinion

Text size

Theme

Language

Videos in BSL or ISL
Help with language translation
Help with reading or listening

Mobile CT scan

Posted By Chemo Lady

"Mobile CT scan"

About: Aberdeen Royal Infirmary / Radiology (X-rays and Scans)

(as the patient),

I have regular CT scans and so have a specific vein for the contrast cannula (years of chemotherapy has made it difficult to find a viable vein). However, when the member of staff saw where it was, on my arm, they advised they're not a doctor so can't try there. 

The questionnaire, in the mobile unit, is also completely different to the questions asked by the nurses, when the scan is done in the inpatient radiology dept in the yellow zone. 

They also didn't ask if I was pregnant or get me to sign anything, which is usually the procedure when being scanned inside ARI.

I was then transferred to inside & the nurse advised that, as the member of staff had attempted to find a vein, they had prevented the nurse from using the usual viable vein. They had to use one in my hand, which was extremely painful, bruised & took 2 weeks to recover!

Overall, I wasn't happy about being used as a pin cushion & surely the procedure in the mobile unit should be the same as inside. 

It was suggested that the mobile unit is outsourced and not NHS staff, which would make sense as their polo shirts looked more like they were technical rather than medical staff. And, when entering the mobile unit I was able to see the previous patient's scan.

Also, the next scan after that one, I phoned the dept to advise them of the issues & it would be beneficial if a note was put against the patient notes because the latest scan appt is in the mobile unit! I phoned & left a message again about the previous issues & my appt was delayed due to them changing it to the inside dept. 

More about:
Do you have a similar story to tell? Tell your story & make a difference ››

Responses

Response from Claire Vernon, Service Manager, Radiology, NHS Grampian 2 weeks ago
Claire Vernon
Service Manager, Radiology,
NHS Grampian

Submitted on 22/05/2025 at 17:51
Published on Care Opinion on 23/05/2025 at 07:35

I am sorry to read about your experience on the CT Mobile Unit based at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary (ARI). The mobile units in operation within NHS Grampian have been funded to support us in reducing the waiting time for imaging across Grampian. The Radiographers who carry out the scans on the unit, as you correctly identified, are not NHS Grampian staff, however we expect the level of care provided to be of the same standard as we would strive to provide when attending an appointment within ARI. I am disappointed to hear that on this occasion this was not the case. We will share detail of your comment published on care opinion with the operations manager responsible for the team of radiographers on the mobile unit.

We are aware there may be slight variation in the pre scanning safety questionnaire completed on the mobile unit compared to the one in place within NHS Grampian, however please be assured both are compliant with regulations. I acknowledge that I have not been able to address some of the other specific points within your comment, as it is difficult to do so accurately without knowing certain information. I would be happy to go into further detail should you wish me to. I can be contacted on 01224 553994.

I appreciate that following your unsatisfactory experience on the mobile unit you have requested future appointments be within ARI. We will endeavour to honour this. I am pleased to say that over the past 12 months, due to having access to the mobile unit, our wait for CT scanning in Grampian has greatly reduced.

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
Opinions
Next Response j
Previous Response k