Cobalt earns first imaging accreditation

Lord Lindsay presents the certificate to Cobalt chief executive Peter Sharpe.
The Cobalt Unit Appeal Fund has become the first UK imaging service to be accredited to the ISAS Standard by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) and its achievement was celebrated at a special presentation ceremony held at its Cheltenham base, attended by all principal parties.
The Imaging Services Accreditation Scheme enables diagnostic imaging services to achieve national recognition as having met the exacting requirements set out in the ISAS standard and also other UKAS accreditation conditions. The standard, jointly owned by The College of Radiographers and the Royal College of Radiologists was specifically developed for UK organisations providing diagnostic imaging services to both within the NHS and private sector.
ISAS promotes best practice by comprehensively addressing patient experience, clinical effectiveness, patient and staff safety, and efficient utilisation of resources.
Presenting the certificate to Peter Sharpe, Cobalt’s Chief Executive, UKAS Chairman Lord Jamie Lindsay said: “By participating in the accreditation process, Cobalt has not only shown its willingness to be open and transparent, but also that it is constantly working to develop and improve both clinical and patient-related outcomes.”
Peter Sharpe replied: “This is a very proud moment for all of us at Cobalt. Staff worked hard to achieve accreditation. The process has been rigorous and challenging; it has helped us improve services and also put in place a system for continual review and development.
“We are also delighted to be the first ISAS accredited organisation, confirming that we provide a patient focused safe imaging service.”
See the full report on page 4 of the January 2011 issue of RAD Magazine.