Patient Guides 5 min read

How to Request Your
NHS Scan Images

You have a legal right to a copy of your scan images - free of charge, and without needing permission from your GP. This step-by-step guide explains exactly how to request them, what to expect, and what to do with them once you have them.

Doctorum Radiologists

Published May 2026

Step-by-step process for requesting scan images from a hospital

If you have had an MRI, CT, ultrasound, X-ray or any other imaging study through the NHS and would like a second opinion, a private report, or simply a copy of your results for your own records, you will need to obtain the actual scan images. This guide tells you exactly how to do that.

You do not need your GP's permission.

Under the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR, your scan images are part of your personal health data. You are legally entitled to request a copy at any time.

Before You Call: What You Will Need

Have the following information ready before you contact the hospital. This will make the process quicker and reduce the chance of delays.

Your full name and date of birth
Your NHS number - found on any NHS letter, prescription, or via the NHS App
The name of the hospital where the scan was performed
The approximate date of the scan and the type of scan (e.g. MRI spine, CT chest)

Step-by-Step: How to Request Your Images

Contact the radiology department directly

Do not call your GP or the main hospital switchboard. Call the radiology department at the hospital where your scan was performed. You can find the number on the hospital's website - search for the hospital name followed by "radiology department contact."

When you call, say: "I would like to request a copy of my scan images. I understand I am entitled to these under the Data Protection Act."

Ask for your images in DICOM format

DICOM is the universal format for medical scan images. It is the standard that every radiology service and second opinion provider works with. When you request your images, specifically ask for "DICOM format images" - not a printed summary or a PDF of your report.

Choose how you would like to receive them

Most hospitals offer two options. Ask which is available to you:

Digital (recommended)

Many NHS trusts now use the NHS Image Exchange Portal (IEP). The hospital sends you a secure share code by email. You - or any provider you choose - can then download the images digitally. This is faster and more convenient than a CD.

CD or DVD

If digital access is not available, the hospital will burn your images to a CD or DVD. You may need to collect it in person from the radiology department, or it can be posted to you.

Complete any paperwork required

Some hospitals ask you to fill in a short form - either online, by email, or in person. This is standard. You may be asked to verify your identity with a form of ID such as a passport or driving licence, particularly if the images are being posted or digitally transferred.

Wait for your images - then share them securely

Once you have your images, you are free to share them with any radiologist or second opinion service you choose. You do not need to inform the NHS or your GP that you are doing so. At Doctorum, we provide a simple, secure upload process and will guide you through every step.

Not sure where to start? We are happy to help.

If you are finding it difficult to navigate the process of obtaining your scan images - whether you are unsure who to contact, what to ask for, or have hit a delay - our team is here to help. Get in touch and we will do our best to guide you through it at no obligation.

How Long Will It Take?

Hospitals are legally required to respond to your request within one calendar month under UK GDPR. In practice, most radiology departments provide images within one to two weeks - and many digital requests via the Image Exchange Portal can be fulfilled within a few days.

If you need your images urgently - for example, because you are awaiting a treatment decision - tell the department when you call. Many trusts have a faster pathway for urgent requests.

Is There a Cost?

Your first copy is free. Under current data protection legislation, NHS trusts cannot charge for a first copy of your medical records, including scan images. Some trusts may charge a small fee for subsequent copies, but this varies.

If a hospital tells you there is a charge for your first copy, politely ask them to clarify under which provision of the Data Protection Act 2018 the fee is being levied. In most cases, the charge will be waived.

"Your scan images belong to you. Requesting them is straightforward, free, and requires no permission from your GP or consultant."

Doctorum Consultant Radiologist

Common Questions

Do I need my GP to request my images for me?

No. You can contact the radiology department directly as an individual. Your GP does not need to be involved and does not need to give permission. This is your right under data protection law.

What if the hospital does not respond within a month?

If you have not received your images within 30 days of your request, contact the hospital's Data Protection Officer or the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). You can also make a formal complaint to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), which enforces data protection rights.

What exactly is a DICOM file?

DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) is the standard file format used by all medical scanners - MRI, CT, X-ray and ultrasound. It contains the full-resolution image data as well as patient and scan details. Any professional radiology service, including Doctorum, will require your images in DICOM format to produce a report. If you receive a CD, it will typically include a simple viewer so you can also look at your images yourself.

Will requesting my images affect my NHS care?

No. Requesting a copy of your images does not alter your NHS pathway in any way. Your NHS referral, appointments and treatment plan continue exactly as before. Getting a private report or second opinion is entirely separate from your NHS care.

Can I request images from a private hospital or clinic?

Yes. The same rights apply to scans performed at private hospitals and imaging centres. Contact the radiology or imaging department directly, make the same request, and the same legal timeframes apply.

What to Do With Your Images

Once you have your scan images, you can share them with a consultant radiologist for a formal written report - whether because you are still waiting for your NHS results, because you have received a report and want a second opinion, or simply because you want a clear, plain-English explanation of what your scan shows.

At Doctorum, the process is straightforward. You contact us, we send you a secure link to upload your DICOM files, and a UK consultant radiologist reviews them and produces a formal written report within 24-48 hours. There is no GP referral required and a fixed price of £200 for MRI and CT, or £95 for ultrasound and X-ray.

Sources & Further Reading

NHS England. How do I get a copy of my health or medical records? england.nhs.uk
NHS Digital. How to make a Subject Access Request. digital.nhs.uk
Information Commissioner's Office. Right of access. ico.org.uk
UK Government. Data Protection Act 2018. legislation.gov.uk