The SCoR is delighted to share the second version of the pregnancy poster jointly developed with Fujifilm and first published in August 2020 to raise awareness of the effects of ionising radiation amongst individuals capable of childbearing.
Due to popular demand from therapeutic radiographers and following positive feedback from SoR members, the poster has been adapted for use in radiotherapy settings. The poster now reads PLEASE INFORM YOUR RADIOGRAPHER BEFORE YOUR X-RAY, SCAN OR TREATMENT.
The poster reflects the requirements of The Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IR(ME)R) 2017 (2018 in Northern Ireland) which require employers to have a written procedure for making enquiries of individuals of childbearing potential to establish whether the individual is or may be pregnant or breastfeeding. There is also a requirement (regulation 6.(8)) for the employer to take measures to raise awareness of the effects of ionising radiation amongst these individuals.
Further guidance on how to comply with the regulations can be found in IR(ME)R: Implications for clinical practice in diagnostic imaging, interventional radiology and diagnostic nuclear medicine and IR(ME)R: Implications for clinical practice in diagnostic imaging, interventional radiology and diagnostic nuclear medicine. It may also be helpful to refer to The impact of IR(ME)R 2017 IR(ME)R (NI) 2018 on pregnancy checking procedures.
The posters are designed to reflect the diversity of the gender spectrum and respect the needs of all pregnant people. They are intended to get people talking and include translations of many of the commonly spoken languages in the UK. There is scope for services to provide further translations that may be required locally and to display these alongside the poster.
The posters can also be used as a lead-in to further conversations about benefit and risk in examinations involving ionising radiations. For further information please refer to SCoR guidance Communicating Radiation Benefit and Risk Information to Individuals Under the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations (IR(ME)R).
Posters will be useful for referrers and patients and may be displayed in patient waiting areas, outpatient clinics, emergency departments, on the wards, in G.P. surgeries, minor injuries units and any other referral centres.
Fujifilm will distribute hard copies of the new posters to all UK imaging departments on request. To order your posters please contact [email protected] or 01234 326 780 or by using the online form. You can also download a copy of the poster from the Fujifilm website or from the professional and public information posters.