We provide radiation protection support to hospital services using x-ray and ultrasound equipment including radiology, nuclear medicine, theatres, and the breast screening unit. We also support several local hospitals, the mobile breast screening vans, and local dental and veterinary practices.

We work to provide a safe working environment for staff at the Trust, and the best possible service for our patients, in accordance with UK legislation.

Our areas of work

Ionising radiation protection

Our radiation protection adviser (RPA) and team coordinate the monitoring of occupational radiation doses to over 900 staff, and the testing of more than 50 contamination monitors. Everyone working with ionising radiation must have training in radiation safety, and we provide most of this. The RPA is also responsible for advising on the design of new facilities, the use of personal protective equipment in radiation controlled areas and making sure that all radiation use is properly risk assessed and controlled. Our RPA and team carry out an annual programme of audits on radiation use across UHS.

Non-ionising radiation

Our laser protection advisor leads the audit of non-ionising radiation safety across theatres, the eye department and research areas. Our group also works with dermatology to carry out regular quality control checks on UV treatment devices, and we're supporting new clinical assessments in this area. Our laser protection adviser also advises on new laser facilities, personal protective equipment, risk assessment and procurement of new lasers.

Radioactive waste

We're responsible for disposing of radioactive waste generated on site by nuclear medicine, interventional radiology and oncology, where radiation is used for diagnosis or therapy. Our radiation waste adviser advises the Trust on the impact on the environment, and we regularly meet with regulators to check our compliance in this area.

Equipment

We work closely with the Siemens managed equipment service and IISS programme when new equipment is required. We also run the quality assurance testing programme for radiology equipment, which includes working with radiographers and radiologists on optimisation projects. This part of our work is a rapidly developing and expanding area as the Trust brings new imaging technologies on site through the IISS programme and other service expansions.

Research

We're active in research in both ionising and non-ionising radiation work, and also support trainees and students through teaching, training and project supervision.

Trainees within the group perform MSc research projects on relevant topics such as iterative reconstruction processes in computed tomography (CT). We also have the following ongoing projects:

development of veterinary services for delivering iodine therapy to cats
IPEM working party for fluoroscopy quality control testing
follow-up of high radiation skin doses in cardiology as a medical student project
dermatology monochromator calibration and testing.

Contact us

Radiation protection, medical physics department, MP 29, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD

Email radprot@uhs.nhs.uk or call 023 8120 6882.