Philips Medical Systems has agreed to be a key funding partner for the UK-wide radiology accreditation programme. The programme is being sponsored by the Royal College of Radiologists (RCR) and the Society and College of Radiographers (SCoR) and is intended to be both patient-focused and developmental. Philips will be providing substantial funding for this project. John Atwill, Managing Director, Philips Medical Systems, UK & Ireland says, "As a major supplier of imaging equipment, Philips is keen to support both the radiology and radiography professions in achieving the highest possible standards. We continue to see rapid developments in technology and further pressures on workflow and outcomes; Philips wholeheartedly supports the drive to have standards against which services can be assessed."

The programme will focus on patient safety, patient experience, clinical outcomes and resource efficiency across radiology services. Five radiology services have been selected to work collaboratively to test and evaluate the draft standards and accreditation process. They are:
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Teaching hospital site: Plymouth Hospital NHS Trust
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Specialist hospital site: Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust
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District General hospital sites:

Medway NHS Trust

Calderdale & Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust

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Independent sector: Alliance Medical (Patient Management Centre, Stratford upon Avon).

Learning from this consultative piloting and other ongoing strands of work will inform development of the detailed specifications for the programme. Roll out of the programme is expected in 2008.

The programme development is being overseen by an Oversight Board that includes lay representatives and representatives from the Department of Health, the General Medical Council and the Healthcare Commission.

Further details can be found on the RAP website at http://accreditation.rcr.ac.uk/ or by visiting the RCR, SCoR, or Philips stands at UKRC 2007.

About Royal Philips Electronics

Royal Philips Electronics of the Netherlands (NYSE: PHG, AEX: PHI) is a global leader in healthcare, lifestyle and technology, delivering products, services and solutions through the brand promise of "sense and simplicity." Headquartered in the Netherlands, Philips employs approximately 124,300 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide. With sales of USD 34 billion (EUR 27 billion) in 2006, the company is a market leader in medical diagnostic imaging and patient monitoring systems, energy efficient lighting solutions, personal care and home appliances, as well as consumer electronics. News from Philips is located at www.philips.com/newscenter.