Work agreements between the Health and Youth Care Inspectorate and the Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection regarding radiation monitoring
Healthcare uses ionising radiation to examine and treat patients. The Health and Youth Care Inspectorate (IGJ) monitors these activities to ensure they are carried out with regard for the safety of these patients. The Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection (ANVS) safeguards and promotes radiation protection in the sector. In order to bolster each other in their monitoring activities, the IGJ and the ANVS have reached work agreements. We signed these agreements on 31 October.
Radiation for various uses
Healthcare uses ionising radiation for diagnosing (locating) and treating illnesses. Hospitals use radioactive materials in the treatment of cancer, for example. And dentists use radiation to make X-ray images of patients’ teeth. While the above benefits patients, they should not be exposed to radiation unnecessarily.
Safety of patients, the population and the environment
The Health and Youth Care Inspectorate and the Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection both monitor the use of radiation in healthcare. Are the rules and regulations adhered to and does that mean it is safe? The Health and Youth Care Inspectorate keeps a close eye on patient safety in this. The Authority for Nuclear Safety and Radiation Protection ensures that the population and the environment are protected against radiation to the fullest extent.
For example, our inspectors review the protection of hospital visitors and the way in which organisations dispose of radioactive waste. Do they store and dispose of it safely?
More comprehensive monitoring
In practice, there is a lot of overlap between the work of the IGJ and the work of the ANVS. Inspectors from the organisations are already working together on occasion. The work agreements will ensure even better cooperation.
For example, we have agreed to keep each other abreast of any inspections we perform in the healthcare sector. We may also decide to go on a joint inspection. Or share findings. We can also take action together in the event of incidents involving ionising radiation.