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 that 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.

Clinical and Radiation Physics careers

Our Achievements

Supporting the introduction of the award-winning mobile X-Ray Car service
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 the safe introduction of ionisation radiation equipment
Members of the 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)

Training and Development

Derriford Hospital is the largest specialist teaching hospital in the South West Peninsula and the region’s major trauma centre. Our specialist services include Interventional Radiology, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Renal transplantation, pancreatic cancer surgery, and Neurosurgery. We are a teaching hospital in partnership with the University of Plymouth and working with Plymouth Marjon University.

Our Trust operates the Peninsula Radiology Academy, which provides state-of-the-art facilities and materials to support the training and development of FRCR training for Consultant Radiologists. Trainees move between hospital Trusts in the Peninsula, opening excellent opportunities for research, development, and audit within Diagnostic Radiology.

Development of Facilities

Image of front entrance of UEC Selected as one of 40 hospitals to benefit from the government’s Health Infrastructure Plan (HIP2) funding as part of the New Hospital Programme, there are exciting plans to develop Derriford Hospital. In phase 1 of the development, the focus is on delivering improved provisions for urgent and emergency care with the new facility at Derriford Hospital.

We will be involved in the development of a new Emergency Care centre, which will include capacity dedicated Interventional Radiology theatres, containing five hybrid theatres bringing real-time diagnostic imaging capabilities into the operating theatre, treating patients quickly and improving patient outcomes.

(Architect's illustration of the Emergency Care centre)

Find out about building projects at University Hospitals Plymouth (UHP)

Staff Health and Wellbeing

At the heart of the NHS are its people. The well-being of our staff is not just a priority, it is essential! When our staff feel supported, valued, and healthy, they are better able to provide the highest quality care to patients, work effectively with colleagues, and thrive in their roles.

Staff wellbeing impacts every aspect of our organisation: from patient safety and experience to workforce retention and team morale. By fostering a culture of wellbeing, we not only care for those who care for others, but we also build a more resilient, compassionate, and sustainable NHS.

Clinical and Radiation Physics wellbeing champion, Jude Page. "As a champion, I can offer a listening and supportive environment for staff to either have a “cuppa and catch up”, or to provide signposting to more formal or appropriate support. I circulate emails highlighting any initiatives the Trust is participating in, raising awareness around mental health and general well-being.

We socialise within work hours by getting together for team lunches, as well as meeting outside the working environment to build a supportive and inclusive team. We celebrate individual achievements by sharing good news regularly at team meetings.

Being a well-being champion has helped me become more self-aware of my well-being, and I can use my skills and experiences to support others."

— Jude Page, Wellbeing Champion

How to find us

Clinical and Radiation Physics are based in the building opposite the Mustard Tree Unit entrance. To get here, follow the signs for the Blood Donor Centre. Once you arrive, enter through the glass double doors. Inside, there is a door to the right of the reception. Ring the doorbell on the right-hand side, and someone will let you in.

The Blood Donor Centre is not always open during our office hours. If you arrive and the centre is closed, telephone (01752) 433879.

View the Derriford Hospital Site Map