Childs x-ray

wheezy

Do you think it's OK for an 11 year old with learning difficulties to be taken into x ray on their own. I don't feel it's right but I am very protective! I was told to wait outside and my DD was taken in with two female radiographers. When I in was called in they told me they had to pull down her trousers as she had a metal butterfly on the pocket. I want to complain but I don't know anyone who' been in this situation and what I should expect. Please tell me if you think I'm being silly. I just feel so concerned about it. Many thanks

RazWaz

I've had a lot of x-rays in the past. They work really hard to make sure you are covered head to toe using their own gowns, and only ask you to remove clothing if they really have too.

Staff leave the room if you are getting changed, and are behind a screen during the x-ray so wouldn't be able to see things anyway.

You we're made to wait outside as it is not safe to be in the room because of the x-ray machines, you would have had to have been behind the screen with the staff, and if you we're there you would have been able to see confidential patient information.

I know you feel upset about this, but they followed the process that was safest for you, your daughter, and other patients.

brook2jack

The problem is you cannot stay in x Ray with them you have to go outside whilst it is being taken.

Depending on what part of the body is created the positioning has to be very accurate and the x Ray machine itself is quite large and has to be moved about alot so anyone standing around can easily be in the way or at risk of being injured.

Finally it's quite a long time for a youngster to stay still and if they have to usher mum,dad out as well it makes taking the x Ray even longer. So there really is no way you can be in an x Ray room with them, ditto with ct and mri scans.

Parva

I would have no qualms with what the two female radiographers did whatsoever, and it's quite right that metal blocks the image. Your daughter is undoubtedly undergoing the xray for a reason, I would be happy that the hospital placed her in the hands of not one but two female radiographers! I fail to see why you feel a need to complain here. If there is a next time I would ensure that your daughter is wearing nothing that has metal in or on it if you are that concerned.

Zziggi

It could well be because they felt they needed to ask her the "are you pregnant?" Question. I remember being 12 and breaking my leg. I was hobbling and they insisted my mum wait outside & they helped me into the room. Then they asked me if I could be pregnant. I was horrified! At 12 it wasn't even crossing my mind (that was back in the day when 12 year olds were 12 year olds). Especially embarrassed as the radiographer was a friend's mum. But could that be a reason?

kingfisherblue

My son is 14 and has learning difficulties. He has Xrays at Alder hey and I have never been asked to leave the room whilst his Xrays are taken. Instead, I am asked to stand behind the screen with the technician. Paperwork isn't kept there, so there are no confidentiality issues. Sometimes, when my son haas been upset and less co-operative, I've worn a lead apron and stayed next to him.

wheezy

Thanks for the replies, info and advice. I think it's because I have been present for previous x rays that its worried me. Due to her learning difficulties it's been hard getting any stranger danger awareness into her and then I go and let her into a room with two strangers who pull her trousers down! I feel guilty for not questioning it. It was an unexpected x ray so naturally couldn't ensure what clothes she would be wearing. They did question me about the possibility of pregnancy before she went in. Maybe I have been present for other x rays due to male radiographers.

nannytone_2

they are healthcare professionals, not just random people she's met in the street!

hearing difficulties or not, most 11 year olds are much more aware of the difference than you are giving her credit for.

i think youre overthinking this one.

nlj1520

My son has learning difficulties and it really is hard knowing what to do for the best on the stranger danger issue in a medical situation. I have always told him that it's ok to take some of your clothes off for a doctor or nurse or if one of the carers at his home needs him to. That if he's not comfortable about it he should not take his clothes off. He currently needs a rectal exam and I am really frightened that he'll think it's OK for people to do that to him!!!! The doctor is very sensitive to this problem and is arranging for ALL other tests to be done first so maybe it can be avoided, and if not probably a light general. This will also make sure he keeps still (a big problem) and avoid injury to him.
I would suggest that if this happens again, you ask if there is any way you can stay in the room.....explain the stranger danger issue but I think if staff say 'No' you will probably have to respect that as they are the professionals.
Good luck

wheezy

I would rather err on the side of caution and therefore posted so that I could obtain independent points of view. I especially appreciate the views of those other parents of children with learning difficulties. It's completely different to how I would see the situation for my eldest daughter who does not have learning difficulties.
Many thanks for the opinions, they help on cloudy days!

wheezy

nannytone wrote: »

they are healthcare professionals, not just random people she's met in the street!

hearing difficulties or not, most 11 year olds are much more aware of the difference than you are giving her credit for.

i think youre overthinking this one.

Thanks nanny tone but her hearing is fine:j:j