Granted I live in a very small town in a rural area, but over the years
I've gotten some smaller pieces (about 5x8) from our hospital X-ray dept.
On occasion they were happy to pass it on because the film was at or past
its suggested date of use. It worked fine for me. X-ray film is always
(?) coated on both sides.
My philosophy these days is that it doesn't hurt to ask, as long as you are
willing to accept 'no' for an answer.
And of course you are more likely to have success if you know someone at
the hospital or physician's office! My mother always said it wasn't what
you know but who you know...
John Bordley