Hull radiographers are pioneering patient safety with specialised training to save patients experiencing life-threatening reactions during scans.

CT Specialty Manager Andrew Stephens supports training for radiographers in community-based and mobile CT scanners in Hull, York, Grimsby, Selby, and Beverley, enabling them to respond to emergencies without support from doctors.

Other hospital trusts are now following the Humber and North Yorkshire CT and MRI Scanning Service, which operates community scanning for Hull University Teaching Hospitals, Northern Lincolnshire and Goole Foundation Trust, and York Foundation Trust.

Andrew said: “We are one of the first in the country to deliver this safe service to patients and we’re very proud our service is leading the way on training.”

Patients undergoing CT or MRI scans receive contrast agents or dye injections, which help radiologists diagnose or rule out serious health issues. However, a small number experience severe allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis, which can be fatal without immediate intervention.

While anaphylaxis is managed in hospitals by doctors and crash teams, radiographers in community scanners work alone, prompting Andrew to develop training to equip radiographers with the necessary skills. In collaboration with the trust’s Resus Department classroom-based, enhanced life-saving skills training for Radiographers is provided.

Andrew also collaborated with Hull’s Clinical Simulation team to create a scenario using a mannequin to simulate a patient with anaphylaxis.

Kirsty Stephenson, Nursing Simulation Fellow, said: “The scenario allowed staff to learn how to respond should they ever encounter this very rare reaction in real life. It gives them the chance to put what they learn in the classroom into practice, learning from mistakes or better ways of working in a safe space.”

Clinical Simulation exercises are organised every three months and the new way of working is now being introduced in CT departments at Castle Hill Hospital and Hull Royal Infirmary. Jane Boddy, MRI Specialty Manager, has also implemented the training with the MRI team, addressing the unique risks posed by powerful magnets used in MRI scans.

The new system of radiographers with enhanced life support skills will be introduced in the new Community Diagnostic Centre in Hull later this year.

Andrew has been invited to present his work to leading radiologists and radiographers at the UK Imaging and Oncology Conference in June.