Sligo University Hospital has been found to have an issue of non-compliance during a recent HIQA inspection.
Inspectors were assessing compliance with medical exposure to ionising radiation regulations in dental and medical facilities.
As part of this inspection, inspectors reviewed documentation and visited the general X-ray, CT and DXA departments and spoke with staff and management.
Inspectors also discussed the compliance plan from the previous inspection carried out in January 2020 and noted that the majority of actions identified had been completed.
On this inspection, inspectors found effective governance, leadership and management arrangements were in place.
However, a radiation safety specific documentation update was required to ensure a clear allocation of responsibility for the protection of service users undergoing medical exposures at Sligo University Hospital.
Following a review of documents and records, and speaking with staff, inspectors were assured that systems and processes were in place to ensure that referrals were only accepted from those entitled to refer an individual for medical radiological procedures.
Similarly, inspectors were satisfied that clinical responsibility for medical exposures was only taken by personnel entitled to act as practitioners as per the regulations.
Overall, although some work was required by the undertaking to meet full compliance, the inspectors were satisfied that the areas for improvement did not pose a risk in relation to the radiation protection of service users at Sligo University Hospital.
Link to full report here:
