St. Mary’s provides comprehensive diagnostic imaging on an in-patient and out-patient basis. Over 70,000 examinations are performed each year. Our staff is committed to providing patients with a compassionate, caring environment with the latest in technology and innovation in medical imaging.
For your convenience, the Diagnostic Imaging department is located on the first floor of the hospital.
For more information contact
Central Booking
519-749-6990
*Please note: Urgent matters should not be communicated over email. Please call the Central Booking line.
Referring physicians can find patient referral information here.
The last wave of the pandemic has presented new challenges in the retention and recruitment of registered Technologists and Sonographers. We have reached critical shortage levels which require the reduction of capacity across some outpatient services.
Patients who are referred for non-urgent imaging will experience extended wait times. We will continue to accept referrals, however appointments may not be provided until 7-14 days of available capacity and supply (i.e. Referrals will be waitlisted and patients contacted 1-2 WEEKS PRIOR to the appointment).
Current extended wait times are up to 6 months for:
- Non-urgent ultrasounds referrals (i.e. Screening for hepatoma)
- Non-urgent (Priority 4) CT referrals (i.e. follow-up ground glass nodule in lung)
- Non-urgent (Priority 4) MRI referrals (i.e. lumbar back pain).
- Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP) and non-OBSP mammography screening
The WW hospitals are working together to equalize access across the region. Where capacity is available and redirect is appropriate, we are redirecting your patient for their exam across the WW hospitals.
As a result, your patient may be contacted to attend their imaging test at any of the Waterloo Wellington Regional Hospitals. If you have a preference for the specific institution, please contact the imaging department directly. Declining the option to redirect will result in longer wait times for your patient.
You will continue to receive radiology reports as you would normally.
What you can do for new referrals:
- It is imperative that detailed clinical history is provided on the referral as requisitions will be reviewed for priority and appropriateness for use of contrast. Please indicate if the referral is for known or query malignancy.
- Refrain from ordering multi-modalities for single indications
- In this time of critical shortages, we ask that you are diligent in assessing your imaging referrals for true urgency or priority.
- We encourage providers to explore alternate facilities offering shorter wait times, if appropriate
- If your patient’s health condition changes before their scheduled examination, escalate the urgency of the referral by reaching out directly to the department.
- Continue to send your referrals to your preferred Waterloo Wellington Regional Hospitals
The department offers the following services:
Ultrasound uses high frequency sound waves to image organs and soft tissue structures in the human body. Ultrasound is a safe imaging technology that allows imaging of internal structures without the use of radiation and it is an excellent tool for diagnosing a variety of conditions.
The Sonographers, or Ultrasound Technologists, at St. Mary’s perform a variety of exams, including imaging of the abdomen, pelvis (both gynecological and urological examinations), blood vessels, breasts, thyroids, testicles and general soft tissue studies. The interventional suite also provides space for procedures or biopsies.
At St. Mary’s we do not perform routine obstetrical exams, arterial exams for the upper and lower extremities, renal artery studies, or musculoskeletal scans.
A CT Scan (Computerized Tomography), uses x-rays to provide two- or three-dimensional images of your body. This is different from routine x-ray examinations which produce a flat planar image.
Some scans require the administration of an intravenous contract medium called a “dye”.
Elective X-ray at St. Mary’s operates from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. Outside of these hours, x-ray services at St. Mary’s are for emergency cases only.