South Thames Nuclear Medicine Survey 1996-97. South Thames Regional Nuclear Medicine Specialty Service Committee

Data on the equipment available, staffing levels, number and type of procedures carried out in the South Thames Region during 1993-94 and 1996-97 are presented. These are compared with national data for 1993. The number of gamma cameras has increased by 5%, overall staffing by 15% and the number of procedures has increased by 31%. There has been a disproportionate increase in the technically more complex procedures, for example cardiac tomography (84%). Regional data have been collated since 1979 and techniques have been established to ensure consistency. Staffing levels, although improving, do not meet the minimum levels recommended by professional bodies. This raises questions about the quality and, possibly, the legality of the service provision.