Healthcare watchdog calls on hospitals to ensure they are not exposing patients to unnecessary doses of radiation (UK)

First report on x-ray and radiological incidents shows that one in three involve the wrong patient and that reporting is patchy.

The Healthcare Commission today calls on NHS and independent sector hospitals to ensure they are not exposing patients to the dangers of unnecessary radiation through x-rays, CT scans and other procedures.

In the first report of its type, the Commission analyses 329 incidents reported to it during the 14 month period from November 2006 to December 2007 under the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (2000).

Exposure to ionising radiation is a vital part of healthcare provision and can save lives, but it does have the potential to cause harm and in extreme cases can increase the risk of cancer. The Commission stresses that the majority of incidents reported to it were of a low dose and carry little risk to patients.

source: Healthcare Commission