The implementation of a quality management system in a department of diagnostic radiology

• Published in: Clinical radiology Vol. 49; no. 4; pp. 272 - 276
• Main Authors: Kirk, J.M.E., Jack, L., Fitzgerald, M., Reynolds, U., Kirk, M., Hutchens, D., Williams, J.E.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Amsterdam Elsevier Ltd 01.04.1994; Elsevier
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; England; Feedback; Investigative techniques, diagnostic techniques (general aspects); Management Audit; Manuals as Topic; Medical sciences; Miscellaneous. Technology; Quality Assurance, Health Care - organization & administration; Quality Assurance, Health Care - standards; Radiodiagnosis. Nmr imagery. Nmr spectrometry; Radiology Department, Hospital - standards; State Medicine - standards; United Kingdom; Europe; England; Human; Radiology; Hospital ward; Radiodiagnosis; Service quality
• ISSN: 0009-9260; 1365-229X
• DOI: 10.1016/S0009-9260(05)81857-4

The quality management systems of the Departments of Diagnostic Radiology of St George's Hospital, London, and Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI) have been certificated with the British Standard 5750. These were the first clinical departments in the UK to be certificated to this internationally recognized quality assurance (QA) standard. Quality is a much used term; in this context it is defined as ‘fitness for purpose’, and quality assurance is the mechanism by which quality is achieved. The paper describes the features of the quality system which have been implemented at St George's Hospital, and how a management concept for manufacturing industries has been adapted successfully to a National Health Service Department. The paper also demonstrates how the quality system has led to the setting and achieving of departmental objectives.