New radiographer-led pathway launches to enhance nasogastric tube safety

A collaborative group of professional bodies including the RCR has launched a radiographer-led nasogastric (NG) tube position check pathway. The initiative enables radiographers to take on the responsibility of evaluating NG tube placements using X-ray imaging, improving patient care and ensuring safety.

Following the launch, a successful webinar highlighted the importance of radiologists and radiographers working together in the interest of patient safety. Hosted by the cross-organisational project team, the event ignited enthusiasm and collaboration among radiologists, radiographers and other clinicians to take the initiative forward with senior colleagues in their NHS Trusts and Health Boards, ensuring executive sponsorship to drive meaningful improvements. The project also has the official support of the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme.

Project Lead Dr Damien Tolan said: “I’m incredibly excited by the enthusiasm we have for this plan, which empowers radiographers in radiology departments across the UK to develop this critical safety role for nasogastric tube feeding. The strong collaboration of our cross-disciplinary group has produced a plan that will save lives using the talent of our radiographers, based on the simple concept of ‘acquire the image, evaluate and act’.”