We are responsible for monitoring compliance against IR(ME)R.
What is ionising radiation in healthcare?
Ionising radiation in healthcare is used in three ways:
- Diagnostic radiology, which uses X-ray machines to obtain images of the inside of the patient’s body.
- Nuclear medicine, which uses radioactive substances introduced into the patient for diagnosis or treatment.
- Radiotherapy, which uses many types and sources of ionising radiation to cure or relieve symptoms of cancer and other diseases.
These three areas are covered by the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 (as amended) (IR(ME)R), which provide a framework to protect patients.
All NHS healthcare services using ionising radiation must comply with IR(ME)R.
How we monitor compliance with IR(ME)R
We are responsible for monitoring compliance against IR(ME)R, we do this by:
- Inspecting services using ionising radiation
- Reviewing incidents notified to us that result in a significant additional or unintended exposure.
How we inspect
We look at how NHS services using ionising radiation:
- Comply with the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 (as amended) (IR(ME)R)
- Meet the Health and Care Quality Standards 2023
- Meet any other relevant professional standards and guidance where applicable.
Our inspections of NHS healthcare services using ionising radiation are usually announced. Services receive up to twelve weeks notice of an inspection.
The inspections are conducted by at least one HIW inspector and are supported by a Senior Clinical Officer from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) acting in an advisory capacity.
The findings from our inspections are published to our website.
If you would like a copy of our inspection workbooks please contact HIW.Inspections@gov.wales quoting which type of inspection workbook you require.