Version 3. 12. May 2020.
"we encourage flexibility within the legislative and regulatory requirements while ensuring that patient safety is not compromised."
However, the guidance emphasises that "No staff should operate radiological equipment without training."
Acknowledging that staff are being redeployed to where resources are needed most, the statement says, "It is important that you maintain training and supervision, particularly for high-dose and complex procedures, for example radiotherapy, CT, nuclear medicine and interventional radiology/cardiology.
"We expect staff to work within the limits of their skills, knowledge, and experience at all times."
The temporary registration of final year students and former registrants returning to practice, "may be entitled as IR(ME)R duty holders."
Any healthcare professional not registered by a body recognised by the Health Care Professions Act 2002 cannot be legally entitled under the regulations to act as a referrer or practitioner.
Employers must ensure access to equipment for essential testing and maintenance while complying with local infection control policies.
Where employers face pressures we encourage you to prioritise high risk notifications (such as high dose or clinically significant exposures).
"It is still important to maintain key safety checks before all exposures, including ID, pregnancy, exposure factors, and modality/body part."
"Routine IR(ME)R inspections are currently suspended. "
"Where it is absolutely necessary, we may carry out our inspection functions to ensure patients are not at risk."
The statement comes from the Care Quality Commission, Healthcare Improvement Scotland, Healthcare Inspectorate Wales, and the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority.