Clinical and Radiation Physics

The Clinical and Radiation Physics department provides scientific services in support of clinical departments and external customers in the application of imaging technologies utilising ionising radiation, covering both x-rays and radioactive sources. The department also supports the safe and optimised delivery of Molecular Radiotherapy to treat certain cancers.

Clinical and Radiation Physics provides a scientific link between equipment manufacturers and Trust users, with the aim of maximising the safe, cost-efficient, and optimised use of emerging technology. We support the selection and commissioning of imaging technologies and perform a programme of quality assurance to ensure that diagnostic imaging and therapeutic treatment of patients are to a high standard and consistent with the regulatory framework.

Our involvement in clinical trials sets the radiation constraints for each procedure and provides the trial investigator with the risk of cancer arising from this imaging. The Medical Physics Experts (MPE) ensure that the Trust can comply with the imaging procedure constraints given by the team running the trial. The MPE safeguards trial participants by reviewing risks and verifying radiation doses are kept to a minimum.

Our services are provided within the Healthcare Science and Technology Service Line Quality Management System and are, as such, accredited to ISO9001:2015, ensuring they are safe and of a high standard.

Our Expertise

Editors for the Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine (IPEM)
Members of IPEM and BIR Radiation Protection and Diagnostic Radiology Special Interest Groups
Members of the British Institute of Radiology (BIR) working parties
Published methods of safe introduction of ionisation radiation equipment
Members of NHS Breast Screening Programme working parties
Supporting MDTs with the implementation of innovative protocols
Author of IPEM Scope Articles
Involvement with BIR advice sheets in Radiation Protection
Proffered papers and presentations at a range of meetings and conferences (BNMS, RPA/RWA Updates, UKIO, UKMPG, IPEM, etc)
External assessors for ACS Route 2 (Clinical Scientist) Training Scheme
External Mentors for PTP training (Clinical Technologist)