The Health Physics Section within the Department of Clinical Physics and Bio-Engineering (DCPB) provides a Regional Service comprising advice, and a range of highly specialised scientific and technical support services to healthcare establishments utilising radiation in their clinical and other services.
The establishments include all NHS hospitals and health centres within the 8 Health Boards in the West and Borders of Scotland, hospitals run by the Scottish Government, and private organisations for which services are provided on a contractual basis (private dental and veterinary practices). The services include provision of comprehensive advice from qualified radiation experts, scientific and technical services, and reviews of all aspects of radiation protection.
The purpose is to enable employers and staff to comply with all relevant radiation legislation and guidance and to ensure the safety of all patients, staff and visitors who may be exposed to or come into contact with any radiation source. The Health Physics Service maintains a continuing programme of research into the development of techniques relevant to the service.