IMPLEMENTATION OF RADIATION PROTECTION PROGRAM (RPP) IN ACCORDANCE WITH REGULATORY REQUIREMENT IN A HIGH VOLUME RADIOLOGY DEPARTMENT OF A PUBLIC SECTOR HOSPITAL IN PESHAWAR, PAKISTAN

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Main purpose of this progress report is to highlight the radiation safety measures and steps taken in a public sector hospital towards the implementation of radiation protection program in order to ensure safe radiation culture both for staff, patients and attendants and to comply with regulatory requirements lacking before in a high volume Radiology department of Lady Reading Hospital.

MATERIALS & METHOD:  Qualitative, exploratory and descriptive analysis was carried out in the largest and oldest public sector hospital of KPK to highlight the radiation safety measures taken in order to implement the radiation protection program in developing safe culture toward radiation practice within  radiology department of the hospital. The first step taken started with the induction of Medical Physicists hired one year back (Sept, 2016). Several radiation safety standards lacking were identified by the Physicists, matters were discussed with higher authorities, immediate actions and measures were recommended and taken by hospital administration and achieved considerable success towards the implementations of safe radiation culture in accordance with regulatory requirements to ensure safe radiation practice within the department.

 RESULTS: After a period of one year of intensive planning, all the weak zones were identified and safety measures were taken and addressed accordingly. Radiation safety culture is emerging in its true sense according to regulatory standards and radiation protection program (RPP) has been implemented in the Radiology Department of LRH. To ensure the enforcement of radiation protection progamme in its true spirit, daily safety rounds are being conducted by Medical Physicists observing various operational aspects of RPP within the Radiology Dept and technical training of radiation workers is being conducted to develop their skills regarding safe culture of radiation practice.

CONCLUSION: Radiation protection program has been implemented through team effort of all stakeholders as per regulatory guidelines, safety standards are being followed regarding safety of radiation workers, doctors, patients and public in general.