You’ve probably heard of the British Institute of Radiology (BIR); after all, we’re the oldest radiological society in the world. What you may not know is that we are a thriving and developing membership organisation for every member of your team. Whether you are a radiologist, medical physicist, oncologist, radiographer, sonographer or medical technologist, there is a place for you at the BIR. Some of our members tell us they join because they can learn and network with other disciplines. Others join for free online access to BJR. Many of our members benefit from CPD opportunities; we have a fantastic range of educational events, from regional events to our Annual Congress. You don’t have to travel to take advantage of our education portfolio as we now offer videos of our key event lectures and webinars via our website, www.bir.org.uk. We pride ourselves on our active special interest groups, which reflect the interests of our members, including specialties such as clinical imaging, radiotherapy oncology and radiation protection. Members can get involved in these groups and add to the multidisciplinary discussion forum that supports the BIR’s educational, publishing, communications and membership output. The BIR has a rich and interesting history and we are committed to providing high-quality benefits for our diverse and multidisciplinary audience, with new membership benefits such as access to the recently launched BJR archive, and e-learning, BIR diplomas and more coming soon. There’s never been a better time to join the BIR! Jacqueline Fowler CEO | The British Institute of Radiology
Impact of BIR accredited radiation protection course in Kitale Hospital Radiographer Jeanette Snowden talks about the impact of delivering a BIR accredited radiation protection course to peers in Kitale Hospital, Kenya.
“In April 2013 I was approached by EGHO (Exploring Global Health Opportunities), who wanted an imaging service delivered to theatres in Kitale District Hospital, West Kenya. The hospital required an image intensifier (II) and an educational package, and the trip was planned for November 2013…. …. Engaging the local radiographers and the theatre staff in the safe use of the II and radiation protection (RP) was essential to the delivery of the project, and I believed a certified course, accredited by the BIR, would be the key to its success. …. I wrote an RP course, to include a practical session for the radiographers, an exam, safety signage and the all-important certificates. Rather brilliantly, the BIR accredited it. (Once there) I delivered the RP practical training over a few days… the Powerpoint presentation was attentively received by 23 candidates (3 radiographers, 15 doctors and all of the theatre staff), all crammed into a tiny staff room at 8.30am. I tested their prior and post-course knowledge, and am happy to report that all candidates significantly improved their RP knowledge. …. Kitale District Hospital now has an imaging service in theatre, delivered by local professionals who have completely engaged in education accredited by the BIR.”
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