Safety recommendation
HSIB recommends that guidance is developed by the Royal College of Radiologists, supported by the Society and College of Radiographers, stating that all hospitals should reserve the first MRI slot of the day for patients with suspected cauda equina syndrome who do not meet the criteria for an ‘emergency’/immediate scan overnight.
Response:
The Royal College of Radiologists welcomes this report and extends our sympathies to this patient.
We recognise the current difficulties faced by imaging services in providing timely access for all patients requiring MRI scans, particularly those with suspected Cauda Equina Syndrome, and on behalf of the Clinical Imaging Board we have been developing standards for imaging protocols for Cauda Equina Syndrome. This work is taking place in collaboration with partner organisations The Society and College of Radiographers, The Institute of Physics and Engineering in Medicine, The British Society of Skeletal Radiologists, and The British Society of Neuroradiologists.
The guidance will support protected time and increased availability of MRI slots to accommodate patients with suspected Cauda Equina Syndrome.
Action: Guidance development by Spring 2022. Working party in place through the Clinical Imaging Board. Representation from RCR, SCoR, IPEM, BSNR, BSSR.
Response received on 5 November 2021.