Safety recommendation
It is recommended that the British Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiologists, working with Health Education England and the Society and College of Radiographers, develops and publishes a national standardised competency-based training programme for X-ray interpretation to confirm NG tube placement. The competency-based training programme will include the referral process for X-ray to confirm NG tube position and the subsequent reviewing, recording and communication of the clinical evaluation of the X-ray findings prior to initiation of feed. The standards must meet the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations IR(ME)R requirements. The competency-based training programme will lead to a recognised accreditation for those qualified to clinically evaluate and record their findings, for example doctors, radiographers and advanced care practitioners. The accreditation certificate will be transferable across NHS care providers in England.
Response:
HSIB has closed this recommendation response following the merger of Health Education England and NHS England on 3 April 2023. HSIB has confirmed the closure to the Department of Health and Social Care and that this area may be explored further on the establishment of the Healthcare Services Safety Investigations Body (HSSIB).