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Physicists advise Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust on the safe use of all forms of radiation such as X-rays, lasers and ultraviolet.

In addition, physicists act as Radiation Protection Advisers to other users of radiation throughout East Anglia including:

• University departments

• Dentists

• Other hospitals

• Laboratories.

In this capacity, we offer expert advice to keep radiation doses to patients, staff and the public as low as reasonably practicable. In addition we advise on the safe storage, use and disposal of radioactive materials in accordance with Government legislation, and on the doses of radiation that are received by patients during clinical procedures. We also run various courses on radiation safety for different staff groups.

Reading mammography films

In addition to routine testing and calibration of equipment, including that of the National Health Service (NHS) Mammography Screening Programme, the section also liaises with local authorities to develop action plans in the event of any large-scale radiation accident.

The section also provides the Cambridge Personal Radiation Monitoring Service. This Service monitors the exposure to radiation that might be experienced by employees, both in hospitals and in other radiation work. This is an ISO 9002 accredited service, and the Department has over 50 years of experience in this field.

Also on this website:

• Medical Physics & Clinical Engineering home page

• Clinical Engineering

• Radiotherapy Physics

On other websites:

• From the National Radiological Protection Board: X-rays how safe are they?

For further information please contact: Department of Medical Physics & Clinical Engineering, Box 152, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ; Tel: 01223 216 472 (general enquiries); Fax: 01223 257 137.