The PACS system is accessed by both Radiology staff and clinicians outwith Radiology. You must be a doctor or be highly specialised in your clinical field to be able to read x-rays and act upon them. When you are referred for a radiology examination, once the examination is performed it is stored on the PACS system. The imaging is then accessed by a Consultant Radiologist or Reporting Radiographer who will compile a diagnostic report based on their findings from the imaging. This report will be returned to the health professional who referred you for the examination in order to provide the appropriate advice/treatment for your needs. PACS is a national system, so should you move house or be referred for further treatment to another Health Board in Scotland, your previous imaging will be able to be viewed in that area. This removes the need for unnecessary repeat examinations to be performed.
We also use a system called Image Exchange Portal (IEP) which allows the safe and secure transfer of imaging to specialised healthcare institutions around mainland UK – for example if you move to England, or if a child is sent to Great Ormond Street Hospital for specialised treatment, imaging can be sent quickly if needed.
Referral routes
The PACS system is accessed by both Radiology staff and clinicians outwith Radiology. You must be a doctor or be highly specialised in your clinical field to be able to read x-rays and act upon them.
