Vol. 416 No. 6
291 Mr. Allen asked the Minister for Health if he will make a statement on recent recommendations from the British National Radiological Protection Board who have warned of high doses of radiation emitted from CAT scanners; and the steps he proposes to take on those recommendations.
The European Communities (Medical lonizing Radiation) Regulations, 1988, provide that all those engaged in the use of ionizing radiation for medical, including dental purposes must be competent in radiation protection measures and have appropriate training. The exposure of a patient to ionizing radiation must be medically justified and the dose to the patient must be as low as is reasonably achievable.
The Nuclear Energy Board have responsibility for radiation protection measures generally and are advised in relation to medical uses by a medical radiation advisory committee which is chaired by a medical officer of my Department. It is the policy of the board to encourage all users of CAT scans to ensure regular assessment of doses to patients. The board are considering whether any revision of current guidelines is required in the light of the recommendations referred to by the Deputy.
