Governance of radiology picture archiving and communication systems (PACS) following the United Kingdom deployment, 2006–2010

Clinical Radiology has been rapidly developing discipline through recent years, frequently leading in the introduction of new technology into medicine and in the improvement of patient care. The Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) has supported this evolution by publishing clear and practical standards, underpinned by the power of Clinical Audit to assure safety and demonstrate effectiveness.

PACS technology became mature in the last decade and its installation throughout Britain’s National Health Service has been as much a political as a clinical investment. Radiology has done its job well and the UK PACS deployment project has run both to time and to budget. It has brought demonstrable benefits1 to Britain's hospitals, to NHS staff and to our patients.

RCR notes that in the main, sound Governance has been shown to be in place and any exceptions arising in this study have been brought to the notice of appropriate government agencies, presently Connecting for Health. Matters that might benefit from review within a local radiology department or an NHS Trust have been outlined in a suggested Action Plan on page 12.

Thanks are due to the many Departmental Audit Leads and PACS Managers who have contributed to the National Audit of PACS Governance 2010, finding time in busy schedules to collect necessary information and complete data returns to a high standard.