Diagnostic Imaging Non-Medical Referrers (NMR)

This section is for non-medical colleagues based at community sites who refer, or would like to be able to refer patients for imaging at DCH.

To apply you will need to complete an application form and return it to NMR@dchft.nhs.uk. You will also need to book onto IRMER training.

Please note before applying that we only accept applications from NMRs who have at least two years’ experience post registration.

Your application will be reviewed by the NMR governance team who may request to discuss your application with your delegating clinician or clinical lead before agreeing your protocol.

Once your application has been accepted and IRMER training attended you will then receive your signed entitlement to refer.

Please note there is a legal requirement for you to have a separate documented entitlement with each Trust that you refer to. 

All NMRs for diagnostic imaging must:

• Refer within their defined protocol and specified requesting agreement
• Adhere to the NMR responsibilities
• Have initial IRMER training and maintain three yearly refresher updates
• Submit an audit of compliance every two years
• Request more than five exams per annum to justify this requirement
• Once the clinical report is available the referrer has a duty to act upon the results, within their clinical context.

IR(ME)R initial training dates

All training takes place in the Education Centre Lecture Theatre at DCH. Please email NMR@dchft.nhs.uk to book your place and specify the course date you require.

Refresher training is required every three years. If this lapses your requesting privilege will be revoked. This training is to ensure that NMRs understand their responsibilities as a Referrer under the Ionising Radiation (Medical Exposure) Regulations 2017 (IRMER). The NMR training sessions cover ionising radiation awareness and IRMER legislation including how these fit into your clinical practice.