Clinical requirements in the implementation of the European medical exposure directive

The requirements of Directive 97/43/EURATOM are specific and explicit. There are significant resource implications at hospital, academic and state levers in order to comply with the Directive. At hospital level, implications for rapid patient throughput as is currently required need to be addressed. A key element in improving radiation protection at hospital level is a properly constituted and functioning Radiation Safely Committee including members from departments involved in the use of ionising radiation. It should promote quality assurance programmes and receive reports and may also be responsible for audit of radiation procedures and outcomes. The primary objective should be to put satisfactory arrangements in place at local and national level. This will prove challenging in the time scale provided given the rigorous requirements of the Directives. Harmonisation of radiation protection arrangements across Europe is a longer-term ambition as diversity of medical, legal and social legislation within the EU is considerable.