Medical imaging team receive ISAS accreditation

The Medical Imaging Team at the Royal Devon and Exeter hospital have been recognised for providing high quality radiology services to patients by achieving the UKAS Imaging Service Accreditation (ISAS) .

They have become one of just 16 NHS Trusts across the country to have been granted the official accreditation by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) on behalf of the Royal College of Radiologists and the College of Radiographers.  

The ISAS accreditation, which the team worked tirelessly over the last 18 months to achieve, is designed to help diagnostic imaging services ensure their patients consistently receive high quality services, delivered by competent staff working in safe environments.

ISAS is the only nationally recognised accreditation scheme available for diagnostic imaging services in the UK. The work was undertaken by a team of 12 staff, who provided evidence for four domains (clinical, facilities, patients and safety). The work has involved thorough assessment of written information, processes, audit, pathways, safety, cleanliness and quality. At the forefront of this was patient safety and satisfaction.

The assessment included an online submission of evidence and a visit by the ISAS team who spent two days in the department reviewing information and quizzing staff and patients. The team will be regularly monitored to ensure that standards are maintained.

Simon Harries, Clinical Lead for Radiology at the RD&E, said: “The achievement rewards an enormous amount of effort and was made possible by the presence of a team that worked well together and grew during the process.

Accreditation is an on-going process. With each iteration there should be emphasis on improving quality across the range of procedures the department provides. This should be seen as a starting block and work has already commenced on submission for next year.”