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Radiology department celebrates decade of accreditation
The radiology department at West Suffolk Hospital has been accredited with the Quality Standard in Imaging (QSI) by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) for the tenth year in a row.
The radiology department specialises in using medical imaging procedures; using x-rays, ultrasound, MRI, CT and nuclear medicine. These procedures help identify structures within the body and assist with diagnosis and any treatment required. The West Suffolk department was one of the first in the region to be accredited by UKAS; a certification service that ensures there are robust systems in place to deliver a safe, effective and high-quality service to patients.
When awarding the department with the accreditation, UKAS acknowledged the teamwork and on-going dedication of staff who have stepped-up in very difficult circumstances throughout the year. The team, which has worked throughout the Covid-19 pandemic, has experienced unprecedented pressure - seeing more patients than ever while having to deal with wearing full PPE as well as covering for staff sickness and isolation.
Kelly Fuller, head of radiology, said: “Throughout the pandemic the radiology department has continued to provide urgent imaging, while still maintaining the highest standards of care. It is always a huge achievement to meet the QSI standard, but to achieve this during a pandemic is truly outstanding. It’s a testament to the hard-working teams who feel very passionate about the services they provide”.
The vast majority of patients who attend the emergency department will receive some form of imaging with a radiographer often being one of the first health professionals to come into contact with patients on the frontline.
Paula Heading, imaging services manager, added: “QSI accreditation is an on-going cycle of improvement which not only reassures our patients that we strive for the highest level of quality and safety, but also reassures our staff that we have robust systems in place to support an effective working environment.”
Steve Dunn, chief executive at the Trust offered his congratulations to the team, saying: “I am so proud of the radiology department for all they have done in securing accreditation for the tenth year in a row. This has been one of the hardest 12 months in the history of the NHS, so to be celebrating a whole decade of accreditation under these circumstances is fantastic.”
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