The guidance recognizes recommendations from a recent report by the Healthcare Safety Investigation Branch, which pointed out patient risk from poor provision of MRI services in this area. The guidance sets service standards, including the timing of imaging, referral criteria, MRI referral, 24/7 MRI access, staffing, radiographer training, image transfer and reporting, MRI protocol, and audit.

The board said one key standard is for all acute services to have 24/7 MRI onsite by June 2024. The guidance is being published along with Getting it Right First Time (GIRFT)'s spinal services "Pathway for suspected cauda equina syndrome." The latter covers the patient pathway from primary and community care up to postoperative care and is referenced in the imaging board's guidance.

For further details, go to the RCR website.