§ Mrs. WiseTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services how many medical physicists are currently employed at the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital; how many were employed on 12 February; what are their grades; and to what extent this staffing complement complies with recommended norms.
§ Mrs. CurrieThere are currently eight medical physicists employed at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, and eight were employed on 12 February 1988. The table shows their grades and areas of work.
Area of work/Grade Top Principal Senior Basic Radiation Physics — 1 3 — Medical Electronics — 1 1 — Clinical Measurements 1 — 1 vacancy It is for the health authority to determine staffing levels in the light of local needs.
§ Mrs. WiseTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services under what exact circumstances the observation of side effects in patients receiving radiotherapy at the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital occurred.
§ Mrs. CurrieIt is not unusual for some patients to develop side effects as a result of radiation treatment. A staff nurse, engaged in examining these patients at the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital, noticed that a small number had delayed healing of skin lesions.
§ Mrs. WiseTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Services whether, after a medical physicist has set a cobalt source such as that used for radiotherapy at the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital, it must be examined and checked by another medical physicist.
§ Mrs. CurrieAs I said in answer to questions arising on this matter in the House on 25 July at columns 25–29,782W current recommended procedures are set out in guidance on the use of ionising radiation. I have asked the Health and Safety Executive to check that the guidance is being followed and to advise me whether any further action is necessary.