Changes to provision of PET-CT scans at The Christie Withington site
The current waiting times for a PET-CT scan at The Christie Withington site are 3 times as long as our other scanning sites (Oldham and Wigan).
This increase is mainly due to the need to undertake other types of PET-CT scans as well as scans for patients with additional needs on The Christie Withington site. We aim to offer PET-CT scans at the site the patient chooses, however this is becoming unfeasible and resulting in very long wait times for patients who require urgent scans.
Approximately 48% of patients scanned at The Christie Withington site could have had their scan performed at either Wigan or Oldham. For this reason, we are now booking patients’ PET-CT scans into the next available, suitable scan appointment slot at any of our 3 sites.
This may lead to a small number of patients wishing to change their scan appointment as they may have a preference to have their at The Christie Withington site.
However, the team will be advising patients that due to current waiting times, this will not be possible.
We want to assure our patients that PET-CT scans performed at any of our sites are carried out to the same high quality that they would receive at The Christie Withington site and reported by the same Christie radiology team. If patients wish to discuss this further, please contact the team who referred you for the scan.
We ask for your support with this and encourage all patients referred for a PET-CT scan to accept the first appointment they receive as this will be the next available appointment and will ensure timely scanning and reporting of images to support their ongoing care.
Thank you in advance for your assistance with working together to reduce the PET-CT waiting times for all patients at The Christie.
Attending The Christie for outpatient/day case appointments
Patients who are attending outpatient appointments can bring one accompanying person with them.
For patients attending day case procedures and treatments, there may be the opportunity to have someone remain with you in some departments, but this depends on your circumstances and the available space in the department. Please discuss with the staff in the department that you are visiting. Your friend or relative can come into the hospital to help you get to where you are going.
Depending on the waiting room occupancy, it may not be possible for the accompanying person to wait with you. This will be managed by the local department.
We ask that all patients, staff and visitors maintain good hand hygiene practice and respiratory etiquette during each visit.
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, please do not come to any Christie site unless necessary. If you have an appointment, speak to the relevant department to see if you can re-arrange for when you are better. If this isn’t possible, please let the department know you are attending and wear a mask during your visit. If you require urgent clinical advice, please contact The Christie Hotline on 0161 446 3658.
We understand that some staff and patients may still want to wear a mask. Masks will be available from the main reception desk at all our sites.
Access to the hospital
There are 2 entrances open to patients and visitors:
- Oak Road (open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) – drop off zone available.
- Palatine Road (open Monday to Friday, 7am to 5pm).
Facilities
We have the following facilities that are open to patients and visitors (but not the general public):
- The Wilmslow Restaurant
- The Maggie's Centre
- Mark and Spencer café
- WHS Smith shop
- Vending machines
- Seating areas in Oak Road reception