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Challenges in the implementation of IR(ME)R 2017 in a multimodality radiology department

radiation protection safety Toni Hall

The Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017, IR(ME)R 2017, implement for Great Britain and Northern Ireland provisions of European Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom 2013 and see the revocation of IR(ME)R 2000, representing the most comprehensive revision of ionising radiation regulation in a professional generation.

As a basic grade radiographer in 2000, I remember the introduction of IR(ME)R 2000, learning new role titles (operator, practitioner) and relishing the professional clout that came with a legal requirement of justification, during late night discussions on the more dubious requests from junior ED doctors. In 2018, as a service leader, I was charged with interpretation and operational implementation of the new regulations as well as ensuring the change was fit for purpose across all our imaging modalities and was sustainable.

In this article, I will share some of the operational and cultural challenges faced in planning for, and eventual implementation of, IR(ME)R 2017, discuss some of the opportunities these raised and explore how this might be used in future.

The content on this page is provided by the individuals concerned and does not represent the views or opinions of RAD Magazine.

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