Mayo University Hospital welcomes publication of HIQA report following inspection

Mayo University Hospital (MUH) today welcomed the publication by Health Information Quality Authority (HIQA) of its report of the assessment of compliance with medical exposure to ionizing radiation regulations at MUH.

An announced inspection of the Radiology Department at MUH was carried out at the hospital on March 28, 2023.

This inspection was carried out to assess compliance with the European Union (Basic Safety Standards for Protection against Dangers Arising from Medical Exposure to Ionising Radiation) Regulations 2018 and 2019.

A medical exposure to ionising radiation is when a patient receives ionising radiation as part of their diagnosis or treatment.

During this inspection, HIQA looked at 13 Standards in relation to governance and management arrangements for medical exposures and safe delivery of medical exposures. Mayo University Hospital was found to be compliant in 12 areas and substantially compliant with one standard.

On this inspection, the inspectors found effective governance, leadership and management arrangements for the protection of service users undergoing medical exposures.

The inspectors also found that radiation protection processes implemented by staff at Mayo General Hospital ensured the safe and effective delivery of medical exposures.

MUH has taken steps to strengthen its procedures under Regulation 13, where it was found to be substantially compliant. On the day of inspection, inspectors found that written protocols were established and available for adult and paediatric general X-ray, CT and fluroscopy and interventional radiology procedures done in the radiology department.

However, no written protocols were available for standard medical radiological theatre fluoroscopy procedures. MUH has since reviewed the written protocol documents and created an instruction booklet that maintains consistency across similar units/examinations utilising fluoroscopy. This protocol document was circulated to all theatre/general radiographers and uploaded in un-editable form to “radiographers shared drive” and is to form part of induction process for new radiographers to the department in future.

Catherine Donohoe, Hospital Manager at Mayo University Hospital said: “We welcome this report and recognise the important and valuable role of HIQA in promoting safety and quality in the healthcare services. Regulation drives better, safer care for patients and regulation of medical exposures helps ensure that each hospital that administers radiation meets Irish and European legislative requirements.

“I would like to acknowledge the on-going commitment and dedication of our staff in providing a patient centred approach and we will work together to build on the good practice highlighted in this report.”