Self-request chest X-ray
Now live for residents
The Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland Integrated Care Board (LLR ICB), the University Hospitals of Leicester and the East Midlands Cancer Alliance (EMCA) are working together on the new Self-Request Chest X-ray service pilot to improve diagnosis and access for patients.
Detecting lung cancer earlier means that patients can receive further specialist tests and timely treatment to help prevent the cancer from spreading or advancing to a higher stage.
Earlier detection of lung cancer saves lives.
Self-Request Chest X-ray service is available to all patients registered at GP practices in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.
Who is eligible?
The Self-Request Chest X-ray service is a new initiative, launching on 1 October 2026 for all residents registered with a GP practice across LLR. It is now being expanded across the city and counties following a successful pilot in Coalville where it provided residents the opportunity to self-request themselves to have a Chest X-ray. The pilot enabled Coalville residents to determine if they potentially could have lung cancer without needing to be seen by their GP first.
To be eligible for the Self-Request Chest X-ray you must:
- Be aged 40 or older
- Registered with a GP practice in Leicester, Leicestershire or Rutland.
- And have not had a chest X-ray in the last three months.
If you have had one or more of the following symptoms for more than three weeks:
- Loss of appetite or weight
- Chest pain
- Fatigue or tiredness
- Cough
- Difficulty in breathing
How do I self-request?
If you meet the eligibility criteria, please call: 0116 2588765 and select option 5. Telephone lines are open between 9am & 4.30pm Monday-Friday.
Trained operators will guide you through the next steps and will be able to confirm if you are eligible for a free chest X-ray as part of the programme. If you meet the criteria you will be booked in for a chest x-ray, please have a pen and paper available to write down your appointment details.
If you have any lung cancer symptoms and your symptoms continue for three weeks or more it’s important that you seek help, please contact your GP practice, or call NHS 111 for support and guidance if our self-request telephone lines are closed.
Where to go for a chest X-ray - if eligible
You can only attend for an X-ray with an appointment booked by our operators. Please do not go to an X-ray clinic without an appointment.
If it is confirmed by our operators that you are eligible for free chest X-ray as part of the self-request programme, you will be offered a chest X-ray appointment at one of the following locations of your choice:
- Coalville Community Hospital
- Glenfield Hospital
- Leicester Royal Infirmary
- Leicester General Hospital
- Loughborough Hospital
- Oakham Hospital
- Melton Hospital
- St Luke’s, Market Harborough
- Hinkley Hospital (not currently available).
What happens after you have your X-ray
- Your chest X-ray will be checked by a specialist.
- The specialist who looks at your chest X-ray may arrange for another test. You would be contacted directly by the hospital to arrange this if required.
- Your X-ray report should be with your GP practice within 1-2 weeks.
- You can contact your GP practice to check the results of your chest X-ray.
If you have persistent or worsening symptoms, please contact your GP practice or NHS 111.
