The IPEM National Conference is a gathering of Clinical Scientists and Technologists from the UK and beyond. It provides the opportunity to present new work, work in progress and to learn about developments in medical physics and clinical engineering.
The Nottingham meeting represented a "first" for the Regional Medical Physics Department as all five speakers at the Clinical Technologists' Session came from our Department. The guest lecture was presented by Jim Methven (NGH Unit) who spoke about developments in training and state registration for technologists and the possibility of a new national training scheme being introduced in 2001.
Robert Beckwith (RVI Unit) introduced the mobile microscope workstation which he had developed for use in the field of in-vitro fertilisation (IVF). He led us through the techniques used in IVF, some complex anti-vibration theory, the design and development process, and how the device he produced is now being commercially exploited.
A thought provoking talk on current UK practice in the determination of activities for paediatric radioisotope investigations was presented by Susan McGranaghan (Durham Unit). She provided data regarding the wide range of differing practice throughout the UK and demonstrated how many departments took no account of a child's weight or body surface area when determining the required dose. On many occasions this led to unnecessary high doses not in keeping with the principles of ALARA.
Butterflies were the subject of Mark Haines (Sunderland Unit) presentation but they did not fly! Mark discussed the differing methodologies for administering radiopharmaceutical injections. He provided graphical illustrations of the difference between direct injections and those carried out using butterfly needles. He demonstrated clearly that the use of butterfly needles can ensure that a greater proportion of the dose is delivered to the vein.
Head injuries and the development of a non-invasive device to monitor brain condition were discussed by Andy Clark (NGH Unit). He led us through the problems faced by clinicians in establishing the extent of brain damage and how he has developed a simple instrument which could help to provide a more objective account of the extent of the injury. The instrument comprises three sections; the imaging unit, a laptop computer and processing software. This project has won Andy this years IPEM Roy Ellis award for outstanding work by a Technologist.
The session was an excellent demonstration of the abilities of RMPD's Technologists. Each of the presenters provided professional, well-constructed presentations which were a credit to both themselves and the Department.
Regional Medical Physics Department, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE7 7DN, UK.
Tel: +44 (0)191-233-6161 E-mail: webmaster@rmpd.org.uk Web: http://www.rmpd.org.uk
By using this site you agree to our Terms and Conditions of Use. Please read our legal page.
Regional Medical Physics Department, a Clinical Directorate of the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Copyright ©1999-2008 All Rights Reserved. Revised 7 November, 2008.
