Patient Care

You MUST inform our staff about before any procedure, if:

• you suspect you may be pregnant, or you are pregnant;
• you have experienced a severe reaction to a previous injection of contrast media/dye;
• you are allergic to any medication;
• you suffer from hay fever, asthma, or have kidney disease;
• you have diabetes.

Jones Radiology gets diagnostically accurate images using the lowest dose of radiation necessary. Patient safety is our first priority. Our highly skilled technicians and doctors are continually monitoring, and reviewing our imaging protocols and equipment maintenance procedures to ensure the highest standards in safety are maintained. In addition, all our equipment is routinely serviced and maintained by the equipment manufacturers.

For more information regarding radiation and medical imaging, please visit the Radiation Risk of Medical Imaging page on The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Radiologist website.

At Jones Radiology we use non-ionic contrast media. This is the safest intravenous contrast media available.

An injection of contrast media may be needed to enhance the quality and diagnostic accuracy of the examination. Following an injection of contrast media, you may experience a sensation of heat, an unusual taste or smell, and a tingling sensation in the pelvic area. These symptoms are common and quick to disappear. The contrast is removed from the body by the kidneys and in the urine within hours of the initial injection. Patients should drink clear fluids after their examination to help kidney filtration. Occasionally, patients experience minor allergic reactions such as hives. In rare cases, a major allergic reaction can occur. Our staff are trained in the management of allergic reactions, and all sites that administer intravenous contrast media are equipped with emergency medications, should a patient experience a severe reaction. Patients with a history of allergic reactions, asthma, diabetes, kidney failure or heart disease may require additional precautions to minimise possible complications from a contrast injection.

HAIs exist in every health system. Jones Radiology follows the highest standards of infection control procedures. Our clinics participate in regular audits and training to ensure that infection control processes are followed to minimise the risk of HAIs.

Some patients are more vulnerable to getting an infection because they are very sick or have had an operation. Patients may also be of greater risk if they:

• have broken skin, such as a wound, or a catheter or IV line inserted;
• have underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes;
• are very young or very old;or
• have a weakened or compromised immune system.

Jones Radiology reduce the risk patients acquiring HAIs by:

• encouraging everyone that enters a Jones Radiology clinic to practice hand hygiene;
• keeping the healthcare environment clean;
• wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, aprons and masks, as appropriate for the procedure;
• using disposable single use medical devices whenever possible;
• using correct aseptic technique whenever completing invasive procedures, such as cannulation or biopsies;
• sterilising and/or high level disinfecting reusable invasive medical devices such as ultrasound probes;
• providing post procedure care and information should an infection occur;
• providing staff education and training on infection control.

Patients can also take action to minimise the risk of HAIs, including:

• always participate in hand hygiene while at Jones Radiology clinics;
• tell the staff know if you have any existing infections, such as MRSA, so they can protect themselves and others from cross-contamination;
• keep any wounds covered and dry;
• cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing and sneezing, or cough and sneeze into your elbow;
• look after your wounds after an invasive procedure by following the instructions provided by Jones Radiology. If you are not sure, please contact us.

Ask our staff about how we work to prevent infection if you are concerned at any time.

Hand hygiene is the most important action in reducing the spread of infections. Jones Radiology has hand hygiene products located in reception, toilet facilities, and other patient areas. If you want access hand hygiene products while in our care, please ask our staff.

Anyone that comes with you to a Jones Radiology appointment should also participate in hand hygiene while in our clinics. Anyone involved in your healthcare should practise hand hygiene. See the HHA five moments of hygiene for more detailed information.

Infections can present in a number of ways. If you are concerned that you may have a HAI after a visit to a Jones Radiology clinic, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible. Symptoms of infections can include:

• redness, pain or drainage at a wound or catheter site;
• a fever; or
• diarrhoea

Please let us know of your concerns by logging an online feedback form or contacting your local Jones Radiology clinic.

• Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Healthcare has information on preventing and controlling healthcare-associated infections.
• Hand Hygiene Australia has information on the important of hand hygiene.
• Consumer guides are available on specific healthcare-associated infections from the NHMRC website.