Senior representatives from the Society of Radiographers and the Royal College of Radiologists have raised concerns about incidents of non-regulated healthcare workers requesting ionising radiation examinations.
In a letter addressed to NHS trusts and health boards, the SoR and Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) issued a reminder of the regulations surrounding ionising radiation, set out under the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations IR(ME)R 17.
The letter, co-signed by SoR executive director of professional policy Charlotte Beardmore and RCR vice president for clinical radiology Dr Stephen Harden, highlighted that anyone requesting or referring patients for these examinations must be registered health professionals.
The organisations said: “We have become aware of recent incidents of members of non-regulated professions requesting ionising radiation examinations.
“Under Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations IR(ME)R 17, those requesting or referring patients for ionising radiation examinations must be registered healthcare professionals whose profession is regulated by a body mentioned in section 25(3) of the National Health Service Reform and Health Care Professions Act 2002.”
Ionising radiation is widely used in hospitals and other healthcare facilities, to help diagnose and treat conditions, for example in X-rays, nuclear scans, and radiotherapy.
The inherent risks in using ionising radiation in imaging are regulated by the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017.
In their letter, the SoR and RCR added that while non-ionising radiation imaging examinations, including ultrasound and MRI, are not included in this definition, it is considered best practice that referrals for these investigations are still conducted in the same way as ionising radiation examinations.
SoR CEO Richard Evans said: "The safe use of ionising radiation in healthcare depends on a balance of professionalism, training and expertise. The IR(ME)R regulations place value on statutory regulation for those professionals that make referrals. This is entirely appropriate as it emphasises the degree of responsibility that referrers should take for the safety of their patients. Regulation provides the public with an additional layer of reassurance that their healthcare professionals are accountable.”
The SoR and RCR work in collaboration wherever they can to ensure the highest standards of practice in diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy.
Find out more about the IR(ME)R 2017 regulations here.
Full letter from the SoR and RCR
Letter to:
Radiology Clinical Directors
Radiography and Radiology Services Managers
We have become aware of recent incidents of members of non-regulated professions requesting ionising radiation examinations.
Under Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations IR(ME)R 17 (a), those requesting or referring patients for ionising radiation examinations must be registered healthcare professionals whose profession is regulated by a body mentioned in section 25(3) of the National Health Service Reform and Health Care Professions Act 2002 (b).
While non-ionising radiation imaging examinations, including ultrasound and MRI, are not strictly included in this definition, it is considered best practice that referrals for these investigations are conducted in the same way as ionising radiation examinations.
Although there is no requirement within IR(ME)R 2017 for referrers to be trained in the same way as operators and practitioners, they must be entitled to refer by the employer. Increasing numbers of professionals can request imaging investigations and it remains the responsibility of the employer to ensure they are professionally regulated and appropriately trained for their scope of practice.
Dr Stephen Harden, Vice President, Clinical Radiology, Royal College of Radiologists
Charlotte Beardmore CBE, Executive Director of Professional Policy, Society and College of Radiographers
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