§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services (1) if he will estimate the safety, in terms of radiation measurement, between old and new X-ray machines; if he will make it his policy to give priority to the purchase of the most effective X-ray machines with the lowest radiation risk to patients, radiographers and other hospital staff; and if he will make a statement;
(2) if he will call for a report from each district and regional health authority on the efficiency, age and radiation effects on patients, radiologists and radiographers of existing X-ray machines; if he is satisfied with current standards of operation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HayhoeI do not consider it necessary to call for a report as suggested by the hon. Member. The National Health Service follows a detailed code of practice covering all uses of radiation in medicine designed to ensure adequate protection for both patients and staff. This includes advice on the safety features required in diagnostic X-ray equipment. The Ionising Radiations Regulations 1985 now require all X-ray equipment to be constructed and maintained so that exposures can be restricted so far as is reasonably practicable commensurate with the clinical purpose. No machine regardless of age should be used which does not meet this requirement, and health authorities are expected to have regard to this requirement when purchasing new machines.
§ Mr. Carter-Jonesasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if he will give his best estimate of additional radiation doses experienced by patients, radiographers and other hospital staff, by X-ray films which are spoiled and where the procedure has to be repeated; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HayhoeTo make such an estimate requires details of the number of spoiled films analysed according to the procedure being carried out; this information is not collected centrally. Surveys relating to individual hospitals have been carried out, and the professions concerned are conscious of the need to minimise the number of spoiled films. Guidance on procedures designed to minimise the need for repeat exposures is given in a code of practice covering all uses of radiation in medicine.