Medical Physics Support Service

The Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides acute and community health services across Wiltshire. The contract covers medical physics advisory and quality assurance services for all radiation-based activities across the Trust, including imaging systems and associated equipment. The service relates to medical physics advisory and quality assurance services for all radiation-based activities across the Trust delivered by Medical Physics Experts (MPEs) and other specialists who provide ionising and non-ionising radiation protection and quality assurance. This includes imaging systems and associated equipment used throughout clinical pathways.

The expertise required is highly specialised and not readily available through alternative providers without significant mobilisation, which would compromise service delivery and regulatory compliance.

Scope of Services

The imaging department covers a wide range of modalities: CT, MRI, Ultrasound, plain film (outpatients, GP, ED), mobile X-ray, Fluoroscopy, Cardiac catheter labs, Gamma Camera, DEXA, the Breast Centre, and plain film units at two community sites.

Scope includes the following specialist provisions:

• Radiation Protection Services: Compliance audits, dose monitoring, and twice-yearly reports to the Radiation Protection Committee.
• Medical Physics Expert (MPE), Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA), Laser Protection Adviser (LPA): Advisory services in line with UK/EU legislation and IPEM guidance.
• Medical Physics Expert (MPE) – as required under IRMER 2017. MPEs provide scientific input on optimisation, patient dosimetry, and QA, and advise on radiation protection for medical exposures.
• Performance Testing – of imaging systems and associated equipment in line with IRMER and IPEM guidance.
• Laser Protection Adviser (LPA) – to ensure compliance with the Control of Artificial Optical Radiation at Work Regulations 2010 and relevant British Standards.
• Testing of Non-Ionising Equipment – in accordance with national guidance.
• Radioactive Waste Adviser (RWA) – accredited to advise on compliance with radioactive waste legislation.
• Quality Assurance and Acceptance Testing: For X-ray, CT, MRI, Ultrasound, Nuclear Medicine, Laser, and UV equipment.
• Specialist Roles: MR Safety Expert, Radioactive Waste Adviser (RWA).
• Performance Testing: Routine and post-repair testing of imaging equipment.
• Reporting: Written reports within 4 weeks of testing, urgent issues communicated immediately.
• Advisory Support: On optimisation, compliance, and equipment performance.
• Service Conditions: Qualified staff, sufficient capacity, calibrated instruments, and participation in national audits.
• Radiation Protection Adviser (RPA) – as required by Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR). RPAs must be suitably qualified Clinical Scientists, accredited to advise on radiation protection in healthcare.

The contract will be awarded in accordance with the provisions of the Procurement Act 2023, specifically under the justifications permitted in Section 41 and the permitted grounds set out in Schedule 5 which includes;

• The highly specialised nature of the services required.
• The critical need for continuity to maintain compliance and patient safety.

These services are essential for compliance with national standards and statutory requirements such as;

• Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 (IRMER 2017)
• Ionising Radiations Regulations 2017 (IRR 2017)
• NHS Breast Screening Programme (NHSBSP)

Reason for Direct Award

• Specialised technical requirements that only certain providers can meet.
• Critical operational continuity to maintain compliance with statutory obligations and national programmes.