Course outline
The course is organised by the Joint Department of Physics of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and The Institute of Cancer Research.
The course provides the theoretical background and training necessary for the radiological protection requirements of both ionising and non-ionising radiations used in hospitals.
The main 4 day module (Monday until Thursday) covers the following subject areas: radiation risks, dosimetry, biological effects, instrumentation, legislation, transport, emergencies, and safe practice in the medical uses of ionising radiations.
The additional (optional) 1 day module on Friday covers non-ionising radiation protection. As well as lectures, there will be small informal workshop sessions covering a range of practical issues.
The course is at a level suitable for hospital physicists working in the field of radiation protection or those who want to expand their knowledge in this field. It is particularly suitable for those wishing to become Radiation Protection Advisers (RPA) and covers the Basic Underpinning Knowledge (Basic Syllabus) as set out in Annex 3 of the HSE statement on Radiation Protection Advisers.
Those wishing to use the course towards RPA certification can sit an optional marked short exam.
This is a CPD course approved by IPEM.
Provisional lecture list
Day 1: Review and effects of radiation
- Radiation protection framework
- Interactions and units
- Instrumentation
- Sources of exposure
- Risks and effects (including pregnancy)
- RP Culture and ethics
Day 2: Statutory requirements
- IRR17
- IR(ME)R17
- Other legislation and guidance
Day 3: Radiation protection in hospitals
- Diagnostic radiology
- External beam radiotherapy
- Brachytherapy
- Nuclear medicine
- PET & cyclotrons
Day 4: The role of the RPA & Emergencies
- RPA certification
- Giving Sound RPA Advice
- Radiation Incidents and Emergencies
- Guest lecturer
- Optional Assessment
Day 5: Non-Ionising radiation protection (optional)
- Medical lasers
- Ultrasound
- Ultra-violet
- Safety issues in MRI
- Microwave and RF lasers
Days 1–4 Workshops
- RPA Role play
- Risk assessments
- RPA Auditing
- RPA Case Studies
(The organisers may need to alter the final programme to fulfil practical commitments.)
Course fees
All current course registration fees and payment details are given on our registration form.
Please note – a discount applies to payments received by 1st March 2023.
The cost includes course lunches and light refreshments. Lecture notes and a certificate of attendance are provided.
Early booking is advised as the number of participants is limited to provide a friendly open forum for debate and to assist in the running of the workshops. We are unable to accept provisional bookings.
A place will be allocated on receipt of registration form together with a valid quoted payment reference or completed bank transaction, BACS payment.
Applications from outside the UK are welcome.
Closing date for registrations – 10 April 2023.
Related documents
Provisional timetable
Registration form
Sutton site map
Contacts
Course organiser: Dr Elly Castellano (Royal Marsden Hospital)
Tel: +44 (0)20 7808 2514
For registration details and any other queries contact:
Course administrator: Mrs Jessica Keegan
Tel: +44 (0)20 8661 3075
