Childs x-ray

laura_hoggle

I'm a radiographer, and even in my department my colleagues do things differently in terms of a parent/carer coming in. Often it is judged on a patient by patient basis, however we do have a lot of paperwork that it is impossible to remove from the room after every patient, so confidentiality can be an issue. Also sometimes there physically isn't enough space for everyone behind the lead lined glass that we stand. If I ask a parent to stand outside, we do have viewing windows which can be opened on the door so the parent can watch, but not every hospital has this. We do also have a lot of younger patients (one 6 year old springs to mind) who stroll in the room without their parents as they are such a dab hand at it by now they know exactly what to do!

We do by law have to ask a female patient between the ages of 12-55 if there is any chance of pregnancy if we are xraying between the diaphragm and knees, which I absolutely hate doing on a 12 year old! When I do this with a youngster I try and explain everything to the parent at the same time.

When we are given information about a patient for an xray, it is often the bare minimum information the doctor needs to give in order for us to legally justify that xray (its often only one word!) so we very rarely get a lot of information about about that patient. It can sometimes be very hard for us to tell sometimes if a patient has a learning difficulties unless we are told.

I always take the time to explain to a patient, no matter their age, about metal on an xray. Often it can be things a patient forgets about (like a zip pocket on the back of their joggers, eyelets on a waistband or sequins/diamontes on underwear!) that mean we have to remove that item and take an xray again, exposing them to more radiation than is necessary. I'd definitely be more worried about my child having more radiation than is necessary than having to lower their trousers for a short space of time!

I'm sorry you had a bit of a bad experience, I'm sure the radiographers judged things how they thought best, although maybe it wasn't quite the right thing in your daughters case. I know that it can throw you a bit when someone asks you to stay outside, but often a gentle explanation that your child has learning difficulties and might find it difficult without you, would help.

wheezy

laura_hoggle wrote: »

I'm a radiographer, and even in my department my colleagues do things differently in terms of a parent/carer coming in. Often it is judged on a patient by patient basis, however we do have a lot of paperwork that it is impossible to remove from the room after every patient, so confidentiality can be an issue. Also sometimes there physically isn't enough space for everyone behind the lead lined glass that we stand. If I ask a parent to stand outside, we do have viewing windows which can be opened on the door so the parent can watch, but not every hospital has this. We do also have a lot of younger patients (one 6 year old springs to mind) who stroll in the room without their parents as they are such a dab hand at it by now they know exactly what to do!

We do by law have to ask a female patient between the ages of 12-55 if there is any chance of pregnancy if we are xraying between the diaphragm and knees, which I absolutely hate doing on a 12 year old! When I do this with a youngster I try and explain everything to the parent at the same time.

When we are given information about a patient for an xray, it is often the bare minimum information the doctor needs to give in order for us to legally justify that xray (its often only one word!) so we very rarely get a lot of information about about that patient. It can sometimes be very hard for us to tell sometimes if a patient has a learning difficulties unless we are told.

I always take the time to explain to a patient, no matter their age, about metal on an xray. Often it can be things a patient forgets about (like a zip pocket on the back of their joggers, eyelets on a waistband or sequins/diamontes on underwear!) that mean we have to remove that item and take an xray again, exposing them to more radiation than is necessary. I'd definitely be more worried about my child having more radiation than is necessary than having to lower their trousers for a short space of time!

I'm sorry you had a bit of a bad experience, I'm sure the radiographers judged things how they thought best, although maybe it wasn't quite the right thing in your daughters case. I know that it can throw you a bit when someone asks you to stay outside, but often a gentle explanation that your child has learning difficulties and might find it difficult without you, would help.

Thanks laura_hoggle for your professional view, it's gives a rounded picture.

mumps

My daughter needed a series of x rays when she was 12. Initially I went in with her, after two or three sesions she was considered an old hand and used to go in by herself and position herself for the xray, she knew the exact position. I just walked in the first time, never occurred to me that a frightened child should be left by her parent, my daughter had been involved in a RTA so she was distressed.

princessdon

My child is the same age and has no mental impairment. I am always allowed into the X-ray or scan rooms.

I have asked her now she is older if she'd rather I waited outside but she wants me there, I can see why you are annoyed.

Pennywise2012

wheezy wrote: »

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

Is that a reference to the bold type? Nannytone is registered blind so that's why she uses bold type in all her posts. Besides, everyone knows that CAPS LOCK IS FOR SHOUTING :rotfl:

HB58

Pennywise2012 wrote: »

Is that a reference to the bold type? Nannytone is registered blind so that's why she uses bold type in all her posts. Besides, everyone knows that CAPS LOCK IS FOR SHOUTING :rotfl:

No, I think it was in reference to a post Nannytone made saying something about the OP's daughter having 'hearing difficulties'. I suspect that Nannytone misread 'learning difficullties' due to her own visual problems.