Date: 22-24 October 2018

Credit: AP Photo/Lee Jin-man

Organised by the Joint Department of Physics of The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and The Institute of Cancer Research, London.

Course outline

This new course will provide the theoretical background and training necessary for managing and giving advice on the use of sealed and unsealed radioactive sources in hospitals.

The three-day course covers the following subject areas: radiation risks and biological effects, instrumentation, compliance with the regulations, transport, and safe practice in the medical uses of radioactive substances. As well as lectures, there will be workshop sessions which will help to reinforce the topics covered.

The course is at a level suitable for hospital physicists working in hospital radiation protection or those who want to expand their knowledge in this field. It is particularly suitable for those who wish to become Radioactive Waste Advisers (RWA), and covers the Basic Underpinning Knowledge (Basic Syllabus) as set out in the RPA2000 Guidance.

Application is being made to have the course accredited within the IPEM CPD scheme.

A comprehensive course booklet and a certificate of attendance is provided. Those wishing to use the course towards RWA certification can sit an optional marked short exam.

Venue

Education & Conference Centre
The Royal Marsden
Stewart's Grove (off Fulham Road)
London
SW3 6JJ

Course overview

Day 1: Review and the Effects of Radiation

• Historical Review
• Interactions and Units
• Instrumentation
• Risks and Effects
• Protection of Progeny
• Regulatory Framework

Day 2: Statutory Requirements

• EPR2016
• Applying for a Permit
• Radiological Hazard Assessment
• Ensuring Compliance with a Permit
• Transport Requirements

Day 3: Radioactive Source Management in Hospitals

• Diagnostic Uses of Unsealed Radionuclides
• Therapeutic Uses
• Managing HASS and Other Sealed Sources
• Managing Radioactive Waste
• RWA Certification
• Optional Assessment

Days 2 Workshops

• Auditing against EPR
• Using the IRAT Model/Tool

(The organisers may need to alter the final programme to fulfil practical commitments.) 

Course organisers

Jim Thurston and Jessica Sowden (The Royal Marsden) 

Lecturers include (subject to confirmation):

Brenda Pratt (The Royal Marsden)

Jessica Sowden (The Royal Marsden)

Jim Thurston (The Royal Marsden)

Will Jones (Independent Safety Services- DGSA)

Amber Bannon (Environment Agency)

Applicants

Course Fees

NB: These are introductory prices for this first year running the course.  Prices next year will be higher!

Payment options

• Invoice - Registration Form must quote valid Purchase Order number
• Cheque - made payable to: Institute of Cancer Research - PHRJOL
• Credit/debit card - please contact the RWATC Secretariat if you wish to pay by this method.
• BACS/Overseas - please contact the RWATC Secretariat for details

Registration

RWATC Registration Form

Numbers of participants are strictly limited to provide a friendly open forum for debate, and to assist in the running of the workshops. Registration therefore is on a first-come-first-serve basis; there are no provisional bookings.

A place will be allocated only on receipt of the registration form together with a cheque, valid quoted payment reference or completed bank transaction (credit/debit card or BACS).

Registration forms without a cheque or payment reference will not be processed. 

Accommodation

Accommodation is available in nearby hotels, B&Bs and private houses. Details can be supplied on request by ticking the appropriate box on the registration form. 

Further Information

Further details on course content can be obtained from the course organisers. Call +44 (0)20 7808 2509 or email Jim Thurston; or call +44 (0)20 7808 2505 or email Jessica Sowden.

For registration details and any other queries contact the Course Administrator by calling +44 (0)20 8661 3075, emailing Louise Sear, or writing to:

Physics Department
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust
Downs Road
Sutton, SM2 5PT